JP2017228391A - Manufacturing method of square battery, manufacturing method of vehicle, design support method of square battery, square battery, and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a square battery capable of improving volume energy density, a vehicle including the square battery, methods for manufacturing a square battery and a vehicle, and a design support method of a square battery.SOLUTION: Such an aspect ratio Rhd that a volume energy density VEDc of a square battery 30 is equal to or more than a density threshold THved among aspect ratios RHd of the height Hc and depth Dc of a cell case 56 corresponding to the combinations of the height He and depth De of a laminated electrode body 50, the combinations satisfying a reference volume Cb on the condition that the laminated electrode body 50 has a width We having been set, is selected, and the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the aspect ratio Rhd is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a prismatic battery, a vehicle having the prismatic battery, a manufacturing method thereof, and a prismatic battery design support method.

  In patent document 1, in tabless current collection, since the core material exposure part provided in the upper and lower ends of the electrode plate does not have charge / discharge capacity, the energy density per volume is smaller than that of lead current collection. It is an issue ([0006]).

In order to solve the above problems, the prismatic battery of Patent Document 1 (Abstract) has a mixture layer on the core material, and has a conductive edge composed of a core material exposed portion on one of the upper and lower end surfaces. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate include a square electrode group wound with a separator interposed therebetween. In the electrode group, the conductive edge of the positive electrode plate and the conductive edge of the negative electrode plate protrude in different upper and lower directions of the electrode group, and current collecting elements are welded to the respective conductive edge. The electrode group is housed in a rectangular case so that the long side (H) of the maximum area surface of the case coincides with the vertical direction of the electrode group. The ratio H / W of the long side (H) and the short side (W) of the maximum area surface of the case satisfies the following (Formula 1).
1.94 ≦ H / W ≦ 3.49 (Formula 1)

  Patent Document 2 discloses a prismatic battery as a power storage element that is intended to prevent a current collector or a power generation element from being damaged under a vibration environment (summary). The power storage device 1 of Patent Document 2 has a horizontally long shape (a shape having a width larger than the height) when viewed with the output terminals 5a and 5b facing upward and the largest surface in front (FIG. 1).

JP 2006-0799967 A JP 2013-089558 A

  As described above, in Patent Document 1, the volume energy density is improved based on the ratio H / W of the long side (H) and the short side (W) of the maximum area surface of the square case. However, there is still room for improving the volume energy density in the rectangular battery. In Patent Document 2, volume energy density is not particularly studied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a prismatic battery capable of improving volume energy density, a vehicle having the prismatic battery, a manufacturing method thereof, and a design support method for the prismatic battery. The purpose is to provide.

The manufacturing method of the prismatic battery according to the present invention is as follows:
A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A rectangular battery manufacturing method having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body,
A design step of designing the prismatic battery;
A manufacturing step for manufacturing the prismatic battery designed in the design step, and
The six sides of the cell case
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fifth surface and the sixth surface perpendicular to the fourth surface are defined, and the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the The length of the side where the fourth surface is in contact with the width of the cell case,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The design step includes
A reference capacity setting step for setting a reference capacity of the square battery;
A first dimension setting step for setting a width of the cell case and a width of the laminated electrode body;
A second dimension setting step for setting the height and depth of the cell case and the height and depth of the laminated electrode body,
In the second dimension setting step, the cell case of the cell case corresponding to a combination of the height and depth of the stacked electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the width of the stacked electrode body set in the first dimension setting step. Case height for selecting the aspect ratio at which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold among the aspect ratios of height and depth, and setting the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio It includes a depth / depth setting step.

  According to the present invention, first, the reference capacity of the square battery, the width of the cell case, and the width of the laminated electrode body (in other words, the width of the positive electrode and the negative electrode) are set. Next, the volume energy density of the prismatic battery among the aspect ratios of the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the combination of the height and depth of the laminated electrode body satisfying the reference capacity on the condition of the set width of the laminated electrode body is An aspect ratio that is equal to or higher than the density threshold is selected, and the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio are set. Thereby, it is possible to realize a high volume energy density while satisfying the reference capacity of the prismatic battery.

  In the prismatic battery, the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab, the negative electrode tab, and the cell case do not directly contribute to power generation. For this reason, for example, when the height of the cell case (and the laminated electrode body) is increased in a state where the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab and the width and depth of the cell case are fixed or close thereto, The ratio of the volume (or area) of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab, and the negative electrode tab to the laminated electrode body is decreased, and as a result, the volume energy density is improved.

  Further, when the depth of the cell case (and the laminated electrode body) is reduced in a state where the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab and the width and height of the cell case are fixed or close to each other, The proportion of the volume of the cell case in the whole increases, and as a result, the volume energy density decreases.

  For these reasons, the volume energy density of the entire rectangular battery varies depending on the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case.

  According to the present invention, after setting the reference capacity and the width of the cell case, the aspect ratio in which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than the density threshold among the aspect ratios of the height and depth of the corresponding cell case. Is selected, and the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio are set. Thereby, it is possible to realize a high volume energy density while satisfying the reference capacity of the prismatic battery. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing the width of the cell case can be improved.

  The width may be set shorter than the height of the cell case. Thereby, it becomes possible to shorten the distance between a positive electrode terminal (or positive electrode tab) and a negative electrode terminal (or negative electrode tab). Therefore, the gap between the positive electrode terminal (or positive electrode tab) and the negative electrode terminal (or negative electrode tab) is reduced (by reducing useless space), and a higher volume energy density can be realized.

  The aspect ratio selected in the case height / depth setting step may be selected from a range of 5 to 12. Thereby, it becomes easy to make the volume ratio which the part (a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode terminal, a positive electrode tab, a negative electrode tab, a cell case, etc.) which does not contribute directly to electric power generation occupies to the minimum or its vicinity. Therefore, it is possible to improve the volume energy density of the entire square battery.

  The width of the cell case selected in the first dimension setting step may be selected from a range of 20 to 80 millimeters. Thereby, about the square battery used for comparatively large capacity | capacitance uses, such as a vehicle, it becomes possible to implement | achieve a high volume energy density, satisfy | filling the reference | standard capacity | capacitance capacity | capacitance of a square battery.

A vehicle manufacturing method according to the present invention includes:
A method of manufacturing a vehicle equipped with the square battery,
A design step of designing the prismatic battery;
A square battery manufacturing step for manufacturing a plurality of the square batteries designed in the design step, a battery unit manufacturing step for manufacturing a battery unit by combining a plurality of the square batteries, and a battery unit for arranging the battery units in the vehicle A placement step and
The design step includes
A reference capacity setting step for setting a reference capacity of the square battery;
A first dimension setting step for setting a width of the cell case and a width of the laminated electrode body;
A second dimension setting step for setting the height and depth of the cell case and the height and depth of the laminated electrode body,
In the second dimension setting step, the cell case of the cell case corresponding to a combination of the height and depth of the stacked electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the width of the stacked electrode body set in the first dimension setting step. Case height for selecting the aspect ratio at which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold among the aspect ratios of height and depth, and setting the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio Including depth and depth setting steps,
The battery unit manufacturing step includes a square battery arrangement step of arranging a plurality of the square batteries in the depth direction of the cell case,
In the battery unit arranging step, the battery unit is placed in the vehicle so that a width direction of the cell case coincides with a height direction of the vehicle, and a depth direction of the cell case coincides with a width direction or a front-rear direction of the vehicle. It is characterized by being arranged in

  Thereby, in addition to the effect of the manufacturing method of the square battery mentioned above, there can exist the following effects. That is, according to the present invention, the battery unit is arranged in the vehicle so that the width direction of the cell case matches the height direction of the vehicle, and the depth direction of the cell case matches the width direction of the vehicle or the front-rear direction. Thereby, the width | variety of the cell case set ahead of the height and depth of a cell case is made to correspond with the up-down direction of a vehicle. Therefore, by setting the height of the battery unit in the vehicle first, the degree of freedom in designing the battery unit in the height direction is increased, and the number of square batteries is changed according to the required capacity of the battery unit. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the required capacity of the unit.

  In the battery unit arranging step, the battery unit may be arranged in a lower part of a passenger compartment. Thereby, the height of the battery unit (the width of the cell case) can be adjusted as appropriate, and the degree of freedom in designing the passenger compartment can be improved.

A design support method for a prismatic battery according to the present invention includes:
A design support method for a prismatic battery that supports the design of the prismatic battery using a design support device,
The design support apparatus includes:
Accepting input from the user of the reference capacity of the square battery and the width of the cell case,
The relationship between the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the reference capacity and the width of the cell case and the volumetric energy density of the prismatic battery, and an input field for the aspect ratio are displayed.
Calculate and display or output the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio input by the user, or
The design support apparatus includes:
Accepting input from the user of the reference capacity of the square battery and the width of the cell case,
The height and depth of the cell case where the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold corresponding to the reference capacity and the width of the cell case are calculated and displayed or output.

  According to the present invention, first, the input of the reference capacity of the rectangular battery, the width of the cell case, and the width of the laminated electrode body (in other words, the width of the positive electrode and the negative electrode) is received from the user. Next, among the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the input reference capacity and the width of the cell case, the height and depth of the cell case where the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than the density threshold are determined by the aspect by the user. It can be calculated and displayed or output based on the ratio input, or can be calculated and displayed or output by the design support apparatus itself. Thereby, it becomes possible to support the design of the prismatic battery having a high volumetric energy density while realizing the reference capacity and the width of the cell case required by the user.

The prismatic battery according to the present invention includes the laminated electrode body, the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the cell case,
The aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case is included in the range of 5 to 12.

  According to the present invention, since the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case is included in the range of 5 to 12, a higher volume energy density can be realized as compared with other aspect ratios.

  In the prismatic battery, the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab, the negative electrode tab, and the cell case do not directly contribute to power generation. For this reason, for example, when the height of the cell case (and the laminated electrode body) is increased in a state where the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab and the width and depth of the cell case are fixed or close thereto, The ratio of the volume (or area) of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab, and the negative electrode tab to the laminated electrode body is decreased, and as a result, the volume energy density is improved.

  Further, when the depth of the cell case (and the laminated electrode body) is reduced in a state where the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab and the width and height of the cell case are fixed or close to each other, The proportion of the volume of the cell case in the whole increases, and as a result, the volume energy density decreases.

  For these reasons, the volume energy density of the entire rectangular battery varies depending on the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case.

  According to the present invention, the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case is included in the range of 5 to 12. Thereby, it becomes easy to make the volume ratio which the part (a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode terminal, a positive electrode tab, a negative electrode tab, a cell case, etc.) which does not contribute directly to electric power generation occupies to the minimum or its vicinity. Therefore, it is possible to improve the volume energy density of the entire square battery.

  The width of the cell case may be included in a range of 20 to 80 millimeters. Thereby, about the square battery used for comparatively large capacity | capacitance uses, such as a vehicle, it becomes possible to implement | achieve a high volume energy density, satisfy | filling the reference | standard capacity | capacitance capacity | capacitance of a square battery.

The prismatic battery according to the present invention includes the laminated electrode body, the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the cell case,
The width of the cell case is shorter than the height of the cell case and is included in a range of 20 to 80 millimeters.

  According to the present invention, the width of the cell case is shorter than the height of the cell case. Thereby, the distance between a positive electrode terminal (or positive electrode tab) and a negative electrode terminal (or negative electrode tab) can be shortened. Therefore, the gap between the positive electrode terminal (or positive electrode tab) and the negative electrode terminal (or negative electrode tab) is reduced (by reducing useless space), and a higher volume energy density can be realized.

  Moreover, the width | variety of a cell case is contained in the range of 20-80 millimeters. For this reason, it is possible to realize a high volume energy density for a prismatic battery used for a relatively large capacity application such as a vehicle.

A vehicle according to the present invention includes a plurality of the square batteries,
The width direction of the cell case is aligned with the vertical direction, the depth direction and the height direction are aligned with the horizontal direction, and the prismatic batteries are aligned and arranged along the depth direction of the cell case.

  Thereby, the width direction of a cell case will correspond with the up-down direction of a vehicle. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the vertical thickness of the vehicle by adjusting the width of the cell case. Further, by arranging the square batteries in an aligned manner, it is possible to arrange the vehicle under the floor and the like, and the degree of layout freedom can be improved.

The manufacturing method of the prismatic battery according to the present invention is as follows:
A manufacturing method of the prismatic battery,
A design step of designing the prismatic battery;
A manufacturing step for manufacturing the prismatic battery designed in the design step, and
The design step includes
A reference capacity setting step for setting a reference capacity of the square battery;
A first setting step of setting a first dimension which is one of a width, a height and a depth of the cell case and the laminated electrode body;
A second setting step of setting a second dimension and a third dimension that are the remaining two of the width, height, and depth of the cell case and the laminated electrode body, and
In the second setting step, the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to a combination of the height and depth of the stacked electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the first dimension set in the first setting step. The second dimension and the third dimension are set so as to be the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio at which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, first, the reference capacity of the square battery and the first dimensions (one of width, height, and depth) of the cell case and the laminated electrode body are set. Next, the volume energy density of the prismatic battery among the aspect ratios of the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the combination of the height and depth of the laminated electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the set first dimension is the density threshold value. The second dimension and the third dimension (the remaining two of the width, height, and depth) are set so as to be the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the above aspect ratio. Thereby, it is possible to realize a high volume energy density while satisfying the reference capacity of the prismatic battery.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the volume energy density of a rectangular battery.

1 is a simplified configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle manufacturing system for manufacturing the vehicle. It is a perspective view of the battery unit in the embodiment. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a see-through | perspective perspective view which shows simply the state which saw through the inside from the exterior of the square battery of the said embodiment. It is a side view which shows simply the internal structure of the said square battery of the said embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view which expands and shows a part of internal structure of the said square battery of the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of manufacture of the said vehicle in the said embodiment. In the embodiment, the designer designs the dimensions of the cell case and the laminated electrode body using the design support device. It is a flowchart of the square battery design support control in the embodiment. It is the characteristic view which showed the characteristic of the aspect ratio and volume energy density of the height and depth of the cell case of the said embodiment for every reference | standard capacity | capacitance of the said square battery. It is the characteristic view which showed the characteristic of the height of the said cell case of the said embodiment, and the said volume energy density. It is the characteristic view which showed the characteristic of the depth of the said cell case of the said embodiment, and the said volume energy density. FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram illustrating characteristics of the aspect ratio and various areas of the embodiment.

A. One Embodiment <A-1. Vehicle 10 and Vehicle Manufacturing System 12>
[A-1-1. Overview]
FIG. 1 is a simplified configuration diagram of a vehicle 10 and a vehicle manufacturing system 12 that manufactures the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the X direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, the Y direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 10, and the Z direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. However, the X, Y, and Z directions are not used in the vehicle manufacturing system 12. The vehicle manufacturing system 12 includes a design support apparatus 100 and a manufacturing apparatus group 200.

  The design support apparatus 100 supports the design of the entire vehicle 10 and each unit by a designer or a design group. Each part of the vehicle 10 here includes a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 (FIGS. 5 to 7), which will be described later, and a battery unit 22 (FIGS. 1 to 4) including the plurality of prismatic batteries 30. The design support apparatus 100 may be composed of a plurality of devices instead of a single device.

  The manufacturing apparatus group 200 manufactures each part of the vehicle 10 and assembles the vehicle 10. The manufacturing apparatus group 200 includes, for example, a square battery manufacturing apparatus 202, a battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204, and a vehicle assembly apparatus 206. Each apparatus (apparatus 202, 204, 206 etc.) which comprises the manufacturing apparatus group 200 may be arrange | positioned in a separate factory (or location).

[A-1-2. Vehicle 10]
(A-1-2-1. Overview)
The vehicle 10 is a so-called electric vehicle, and includes a travel motor 20 (hereinafter also referred to as “motor 20”), a battery unit 22, an inverter 24, and an electronic control device 26 (hereinafter referred to as “ECU 26”). The motor 20 generates a driving force for driving the vehicle 10. The battery unit 22 supplies power to the motor 20 via the inverter 24. The inverter 24 supplies the electric power of the battery unit 22 to the motor 20 based on a command from the ECU 26. The ECU 26 controls the output of the motor 20 via the inverter 24 based on an operation amount of an accelerator pedal (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the motor 20, the inverter 24, and the ECU 26 are disposed on the front side of the vehicle 10, and the battery unit 22 is disposed below the passenger compartment 28. However, the arrangement of the motor 20, the battery unit 22, the inverter 24, and the ECU 26 is not limited to this, and may be other arrangements.

(A-1-2-2. Battery unit 22)
(A-1-2-2-1. Overview of Battery Unit 22)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery unit 22 in the present embodiment. The battery unit 22 includes a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 and a battery unit case 32 that fixes the prismatic batteries 30 in an aligned state. In FIG. 2, a state in which one of the plurality of prismatic batteries 30 is incorporated in the battery unit 22 is indicated by an arrow 34. A battery unit case 32 (hereinafter also referred to as “unit case 32”) covers a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 vertically and horizontally (a part of the unit case 32 is omitted in FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, Wu, Hu, and Du are the width, height, and depth of the battery unit 22.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and a part of the battery unit 22 is omitted. FIG. 3 is a front view of the battery unit 22 viewed in the X direction (precisely, the −X direction). 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. In other words, FIG. 4 is a left side view of a part of the battery unit 22 as viewed in the Y direction of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the battery unit 22 includes a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 (hereinafter also referred to as “batteries 30”). The arrangement of the battery 30 in the battery unit 22 will be described after each part of the battery 30 is described.

(A-1-2-2-2. Square battery 30)
(A-1-2-2-2-1. Outline of the prismatic battery 30)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state where the inside of the prismatic battery 30 of the present embodiment is seen through from the outside. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the prismatic battery 30 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged part of the internal structure of the prismatic battery 30 of the present embodiment. Compared with FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 7 shows in detail the internal structure of the prismatic battery 30 (there is a discrepancy between the contents of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the contents of FIG. 7). I want to be. The square battery 30 of the present embodiment is a lithium ion battery. Instead, the square battery 30 may be constituted by a battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the prismatic battery 30 includes a laminated electrode body 50, a positive electrode terminal 52, a negative electrode terminal 54, and a cell case 56.

(A-1-2-2-2-2. Laminated electrode body 50)
The laminated electrode body 50 is configured by alternately laminating positive electrodes 60 and negative electrodes 62 with separators 64 interposed therebetween. The positive electrode 60, the negative electrode 62, and the separator 64 in the present embodiment are all rectangular. The laminated electrode body 50 may have a protective case (not shown) that houses the positive electrode 60, the negative electrode 62, and the separator 64.

  The positive electrode 60 has an electrode material 70 applied on both sides thereof. Further, the positive electrode 60 has a positive electrode tab 72 protruding toward the positive electrode terminal 52 side. In the present embodiment, the positive electrode tab 72 protrudes from the short side (particularly one end side) of the long side and the short side of the rectangular positive electrode 60. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the positive electrode tab 72 is drawn so as to protrude straight, but this is because it is illustrated in a simplified manner. Actually, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of positive electrode tabs 72 are combined and connected to the positive electrode terminal 52. For example, a method shown in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2 may be used for a structure in which the plurality of positive electrode tabs 72 are combined into one at the positive electrode terminal 52.

  The negative electrode 62 has an electrode material 70 applied on both sides thereof. Further, the negative electrode 62 has a negative electrode tab 74 protruding toward the negative electrode terminal 54 side. In the present embodiment, the negative electrode tab 74 protrudes from the short side (in particular, the other end side opposite to the positive electrode tab 72) of the long and short sides of the rectangular negative electrode 62. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the negative electrode tab 74 is drawn so as to protrude straight, but this is because it is illustrated in a simplified manner. Actually, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of negative electrode tabs 74 are combined and connected to the negative electrode terminal 54. For example, a method shown in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2 may be used for a structure in which a plurality of negative electrode tabs 74 are combined into one in the negative electrode terminal 54.

(A-1-2-2-2-3. Positive terminal 52 and negative terminal 54)
As shown in FIG. 7, the positive electrode terminal 52 (hereinafter also referred to as “terminal 52”) bundles positive electrode tabs 72 protruding from one end side of the short side of each positive electrode 60 and externally connects each positive electrode 60 (for example, The positive electrode terminal 52) of the other prismatic battery 30 is connected. The negative electrode terminal 54 (hereinafter also referred to as “terminal 54”) bundles the negative electrode tabs 74 protruding from the other end side opposite to the positive electrode tab 72 out of the short sides of the respective negative electrode electrodes 62, and connects each negative electrode electrode 62 to the outside. (For example, it connects with the negative electrode terminal 54 of the other square battery 30). As shown in FIG. 7, the positive terminal 52 and the negative terminal 54 have a tab connecting portion 80 and an external connecting portion 82.

  The tab connecting portion 80 has a recess (not shown) into which the positive electrode tab 72 or the negative electrode tab 74 in a bundled state is inserted. The positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74 are fixed by being inserted into the recess.

  The external connection portion 82 electrically connects the laminated electrode body 50 or the battery unit case 32 and the outside of the cell case 56, and is tabbed through a through hole (not shown) formed in the cell case 56. Connect to the connecting portion 80.

  The positive terminal 52 and the negative terminal 54 are fixed to the cell case 56 via a gasket 86.

(A-1-2-2-2-4. Cell case 56)
The cell case 56 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that houses the laminated electrode body 50. The cell case 56 is formed from a non-conductive material (for example, resin). As described above, the through hole through which both the terminals 52 and 54 penetrate is formed on the surface of the cell case 56 where the positive terminal 52 and the negative terminal 54 are disposed (see FIG. 7). In addition to the positive electrode terminal 52 and the negative electrode terminal 54, the cell case 56 may be provided with a support portion (for example, an adhesive layer made of an adhesive) for supporting the laminated electrode body 50.

(A-1-2-2-2-5. Dimensions of cell case 56 (or prismatic battery 30))
In order to facilitate understanding, the dimensions of the cell case 56 (or the prismatic battery 30) are defined. First, in the cell case 56 (or the square battery 30), two surfaces parallel to the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62 are referred to as a front surface (first surface) and a back surface (second surface). The surface on which the terminals 52 and 54 are disposed is referred to as an upper surface (third surface), and the surface opposite to the upper surface is referred to as a lower surface (fourth surface). Furthermore, surfaces perpendicular to the front surface, the back surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface are referred to as a left side surface (fifth surface) and a right side surface (sixth surface).

  As shown in FIG. 5, hereinafter, the length of the cell case 56 in the direction in which the positive electrode terminal 52 and the negative electrode terminal 54 are arranged (W direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5)) is referred to as the width Wc of the battery 30. The width Wc is also the length of the side where the front surface and the back surface of the cell case 56 are in contact with the upper surface and the lower surface. The direction in which the positive terminal 52 and the negative terminal 54 protrude (H direction) is referred to as the height Hc of the battery 30. The height Hc is also the length of the side where the front surface and the back surface of the cell case 56 are in contact with the left side surface and the right side surface. Furthermore, the stacking direction (D direction) of the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62 is referred to as the depth Dc of the battery 30.

  In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the battery 30 (or the cell case 56) are set so that the volume energy density VEDc [Wh / L] of the square battery 30 is increased (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and the like). To do.)

(A-1-2-2-3. Arrangement of prismatic battery 30 in battery unit 22)
When the definition of the width Wc, the height Hc, and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 (or the square battery 30) is finished, the arrangement of the square batteries 30 in the battery unit 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. Will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery unit 22 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of batteries such that the back surface of a certain square battery 30 is in contact with the front surface of another square battery 30 (in the Y direction in FIG. 2). A plurality of prismatic battery groups 90 in which 30 are continuous are provided. In the case of the example of FIG. 2, the number of square battery groups 90 (hereinafter also referred to as “battery groups 90”) is four. However, the number of battery groups 90 is not limited to this.

  Regarding the positional relationship between the battery groups 90, the lower surface of each battery 30 of a certain battery group 90 is disposed so as to be in contact with the lower surface of each battery 30 of another battery group 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the width direction (W direction in FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 is set to the vertical direction (Z direction), and the height direction and depth direction of the cell case 56 (FIG. 5). Are aligned in the horizontal direction (XY direction) and along the depth direction of the cell case 56. More specifically, the depth direction (D direction) of the cell case 56 is the width direction (Y direction) of the vehicle 10, and the height direction (H direction) of the cell case 56 is the front-rear direction (X direction) of the vehicle 10. The width direction (W direction) of the cell case 56 is defined as the height direction (Z direction) of the vehicle 10.

(A-1-2-2-4. Electrical connection relationship of prismatic battery 30 and prismatic battery group 90)
Each battery group 90 forms a series structure in which the positive terminal 52 of each battery 30 is connected to the negative terminal 54 via a bus bar (not shown). Alternatively, each battery group 90 may form a parallel structure in which the positive terminals 52 of the batteries 30 are connected to each other via the bus bar and the negative terminals 54 are connected to each other.

  In addition, regarding the electrical connection relationship between the battery groups 90, the battery groups 90 are connected in series via the bus bar or the like. Alternatively, the battery groups 90 may be connected in parallel via the bus bar or the like.

[A-1-3. Design support apparatus 100]
As described above, the design support apparatus 100 supports the design of the entire vehicle 10 and each unit. Each part of the vehicle 10 here includes a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 and a battery unit 22 composed of the plurality of prismatic batteries 30.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the design support apparatus 100 includes an input / output unit 110, a calculation unit 112, and a storage unit 114. The input / output unit 110 performs input / output of signals between the design support apparatus 100 and other parts. The input / output unit 110 includes a keyboard 120, a mouse 122, and a display unit 124 as an operation input / output device (HMI: Human-Machine Interface) such as a user designer.

  The calculation unit 112 supports the design of the vehicle 10 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 114, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). Arithmetic unit 112 includes a square battery design support unit 130, a battery unit design support unit 132, and a vehicle design support unit 134.

  The prismatic battery design support unit 130 (hereinafter also referred to as “support unit 130”) executes the prismatic battery design support control by executing the prismatic battery design support program stored in the storage unit 114. The battery unit design support unit 132 (hereinafter also referred to as “support unit 132”) executes the battery unit design support program stored in the storage unit 114 and executes battery unit design support control. The vehicle design support unit 134 (hereinafter also referred to as “support unit 134”) executes the vehicle design support program stored in the storage unit 114 and executes vehicle design support control. The square battery design support control and the like will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The storage unit 114 stores programs and data used by the calculation unit 112. Programs stored in the storage unit 114 include a square battery design support program, a battery unit design support program, and a vehicle design support program. The data stored in the storage unit 114 is also referred to as a prismatic battery database 150 (hereinafter also referred to as “square battery DB150” or “battery DB150”) and a battery unit database 152 (hereinafter referred to as “battery unit DB152”). ) And a vehicle database 154 (hereinafter “vehicle DB 154”).

  The battery DB 150 stores information (square battery design information) used for designing the square battery 30. Information (battery unit design information) used for designing the battery unit 22 is stored in the battery unit DB 152. Information (vehicle design information) used for designing the vehicle 10 is stored in the vehicle DB 154. The battery DB 150 may be configured as a part of the battery unit DB 152. The battery unit DB 152 may be configured as a part of the vehicle DB 154.

  The storage unit 114 includes, for example, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”). As the RAM, a volatile memory such as a register and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory can be used. The storage unit 114 may include a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as “ROM”) in addition to the RAM.

[A-1-4. Manufacturing apparatus group 200]
(A-1-4-1. Overview of manufacturing apparatus group 200)
As described above, the manufacturing apparatus group 200 manufactures each part of the vehicle 10 and assembles the vehicle 10. The manufacturing apparatus group 200 includes, for example, a square battery manufacturing apparatus 202, a battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204, and a vehicle assembly apparatus 206. Each apparatus (apparatus 202, 204, 206 etc.) which comprises the manufacturing apparatus group 200 may be arrange | positioned in a separate factory (or location).

(A-1-4-2. Square battery manufacturing apparatus 202)
The square battery manufacturing apparatus 202 (hereinafter also referred to as “manufacturing apparatus 202”) manufactures the square battery 30. The manufacturing apparatus 202 manufactures, for example, the positive terminal 52, the negative terminal 54, the cell case 56, the positive electrode 60, the negative electrode 62, the separator 64, and the like designed using the design support apparatus 100. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 202 manufactures the laminated electrode body 50 by combining the positive electrode 60, the negative electrode 62, and the separator 64. Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 202 manufactures the prismatic battery 30 by combining the laminated electrode body 50, the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, and the cell case 56. The manufacturing apparatus 202 may be composed of a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses instead of a single apparatus.

(A-1-4-3. Battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204)
The battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204 (hereinafter also referred to as “manufacturing apparatus 204”) manufactures the battery unit 22. The manufacturing apparatus 204 manufactures the battery unit case 32. The manufacturing apparatus 204 manufactures the battery unit 22 by fixing the plurality of prismatic batteries 30 in the battery unit case 32. The manufacturing apparatus 204 may be composed of a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses instead of a single apparatus.

(A-1-4-4. Vehicle assembly device 206)
A vehicle assembly device 206 (hereinafter also referred to as “assembly device 206”) assembles the vehicle 10 using components such as the battery unit 22. For example, the assembling apparatus 206 places the battery unit 22 on a main frame (not shown) and positions it below the passenger compartment 28. The assembling apparatus 206 may be composed of a plurality of assembling apparatuses instead of a single apparatus.

<A-2. Manufacture of vehicle 10>
[A-2-1. Overall flow]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of manufacturing the vehicle 10 in the present embodiment. In step S <b> 11, the group of designers designs the entire vehicle 10 and each unit using the design support apparatus 100. Here, the design of each part includes the design of the prismatic battery 30 and the battery unit 22. Further, the overall design of the vehicle 10 includes the arrangement of the battery unit 22 in the vehicle 10. As will be exemplified later in connection with the design of the prismatic battery 30, the overall design and the design of each part are related to each other.

  In step S <b> 12, the manufacturer group manufactures each part of the vehicle 10 designed in step S <b> 11 using the manufacturing apparatus group 200. Manufacturing of each part includes manufacturing of the square battery 30 and the battery unit 22.

  In step S <b> 13, the manufacturer group assembles the vehicle 10 using each part manufactured in step S <b> 12. At this time, the vehicle assembly apparatus 206 is used for assembling the vehicle 10.

[A-2-2. Overall design of vehicle 10 and each part]
(A-2-2-1. Overview of design of dimensions of cell case 56 and laminated electrode body 50)
Below, the design of the dimension of the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 is demonstrated as a part of design of each part of the vehicle 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart in which the designer designs the dimensions of the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 using the design support apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. Before starting the flowchart of FIG. 9, specifications (premise specifications) related to the dimension design of the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 are specified.

  The prerequisite specifications here include specifications relating to the dimensions of the prismatic battery 30 itself (battery specific specifications) and specifications that affect the dimensions of the prismatic battery 30 among specifications other than the prismatic battery 30 (specifications outside the battery). included.

  Specific specifications of the battery include the plate thickness of the cell case 56 (each surface may be different), the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal 52 and the negative electrode terminal 54, the dimensions of the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74, and the required capacity Cub of the battery unit 22. (Hereinafter also referred to as “unit reference capacity Cub” or “battery reference capacity Cub”) [Ah] is included.

  The specifications outside the battery include, for example, the required power ([Nm] or [N]) of the vehicle 10 (or the motor 20), the required specifications (such as ratings) of the motor 20, and the layout of the passenger compartment 28. Other specifications may be included in the premise specifications.

  When executing steps S <b> 21 to S <b> 23 in FIG. 9, the designer uses the design support apparatus 100. 9, the designer sets a reference capacity Cb (hereinafter also referred to as “cell reference capacity Cb”) [Ah] of the square battery 30 (reference capacity setting step). The cell reference capacity Cb is set based on, for example, the connection relationship (series and / or parallel) of each square battery 30 and the unit reference capacity Cub. The unit reference capacity Cub is set based on the required power of the vehicle 10.

  In step S22, the designer executes a first dimension setting step. That is, the designer sets the width Wc (FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 based on the layout of the passenger compartment 28. As described above, in this embodiment, the battery unit 22 is disposed below the passenger compartment 28 (FIG. 1). Therefore, in order to widen the vehicle compartment 28 in the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the vehicle 10, the height Hu of the battery unit 22 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 (in other words, the width Wc of the square battery 30 (FIG. 5)). )) Is set. Further, by shortening the width Wc of the rectangular battery 30, for example, the distance between the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74 compared to the shape of the power storage element 1 of Patent Document 2 (FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2). Le (FIG. 4) can be relatively shortened. In other words, the volume energy density VEDc can be improved by reducing the gap between the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74 (by reducing the useless space).

  In consideration of the use in the vehicle 10, the width Wc of the cell case 56 can be set in a range of 20 to 80 mm (more preferably 30 to 50 mm), for example.

  Further, as described above, the battery-specific specifications (such as the plate thickness Tc of the cell case 56) as the prerequisite specifications are specified. For this reason, in the first dimension setting step, the width We of the laminated electrode body 50 is also set by setting the width Wc of the cell case 56.

  In step S23, the designer executes a second dimension setting step. In the second dimension setting step, the height Hc and depth Dc (FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 and the height of the laminated electrode body 50 are determined based on the cell reference capacitance Cb, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the width We of the laminated electrode body 50. The height He and the depth De are set. More specifically, when the designer inputs the cell reference capacitance Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 to the design support apparatus 100, the design support apparatus 100 determines the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 and the stacked electrode body. Support for setting 50 height He and depth De is performed (square battery design support control). Details of step S23 will be described later with reference to FIG.

(A-2-2-2. Square battery design support control)
(A-2-2-2-1. Outline of prismatic battery design support control)
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the designer inputs the cell reference capacitance Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 using the input / output unit 110 (FIG. 1), the design support apparatus 100 includes the cell reference capacitance Cb and Based on the width Wc of the cell case 56, the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 and the width We, height He and depth De of the laminated electrode body 50 are calculated. Below, the square battery design support control which the design support apparatus 100 performs in order to calculate these numerical values is demonstrated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the prismatic battery design support control in this embodiment. As described above, the square battery design support control is executed by the square battery design support unit 130 of the calculation unit 112 of the design support apparatus 100. The square battery design support control is started when the designer activates the square battery design support program via the input / output unit 110. In step S31, the design support apparatus 100 displays an input screen (not shown) of the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56.

  In step S32, the design support apparatus 100 determines whether or not the reference capacitance Cb and the width Wc are input via the input / output unit 110 (keyboard 120 or the like). When the reference capacitance Cb and the width Wc are not input (S32: NO), step S32 is repeated. When the reference capacitance Cb and the width Wc are input (S32: YES), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the design support apparatus 100 causes the display unit 124 to display a characteristic diagram (FIG. 11) of the aspect ratio Rhd and volume energy density VEDc and an input column (not shown) of the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar. The aspect ratio Rhd is a ratio (Hc / Dc) between the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56. The volume energy density VEDc is a value obtained by dividing the electric energy Ec [Wh] accumulated in the entire square battery 30 by the volume Vc of the cell case 56. The target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is a target value of the aspect ratio Rhd, and is set by the designer while viewing the characteristic diagram of FIG. The relationship between the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc shown in the characteristic diagram will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S34, the design support apparatus 100 determines whether or not the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar has been input via the keyboard 120 or the like. When the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is not input (S34: NO), step S34 is repeated. When the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is input (S34: YES), the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the design support apparatus 100 determines the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30, the width Wc of the cell case 56, the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar, and the width of the stacked electrode body 50. We, height He, and depth De are displayed. Details of step S35 (that is, setting of height Hc and depth Dc of cell case 56, etc.) will be described later.

(A-2-2-2-2. Relationship between aspect ratio Rhd and volume energy density VEDc)
(A-2-2-2-2-1. Overview)
FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing the characteristics of the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc of the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 of this embodiment for each reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30. Each characteristic of FIG. 11 corresponds to the case where the width Wc of the cell case 56 is a specific value (fixed value). Here, it is assumed that when the width Wc of the cell case 56 and the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 are determined, the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 are also determined according to the aspect ratio Rhd. Furthermore, it is assumed that the width Wc, the height Hc, and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 correspond one-to-one with the width We, the height He, and the depth De of the multilayer electrode body 50. In other words, the gap between the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 is preset as a fixed value (the same applies to FIGS. 12 and 13 described later).

  On the left side of FIG. 11, an image of the square battery 30 with the cell case 56 having a small height Hc and a large depth Dc (in other words, a cylinder or a horizontally long) is shown. The right side of FIG. 11 shows an image of the prismatic battery 30 in which the height Hc of the cell case 56 is large and the depth Dc is small (in other words, elongated or vertically long) (the same applies to FIGS. 12 to 14). is there.).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc have curve characteristics for each reference capacity Cb. An aspect ratio Rhd that maximizes the volume energy density VEDc exists for each reference capacity Cb. Therefore, the design support apparatus 100 displays the characteristic diagram of FIG. 11 on the screen of the display unit 124, so that the designer knows the aspect ratio Rhd that maximizes the volume energy density VEDc for the target reference capacity Cb. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the reason why the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc have curve characteristics for each reference capacitance Cb will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The designer sets the target aspect ratio Rhd at which the volumetric energy density VEDc is maximum for the target reference capacity Cb (or the aspect ratio Rhd at which the volumetric energy density VEDc is greater than or equal to a predetermined density threshold THved in consideration of other factors). Select as aspect ratio Rhd_tar. Then, the designer inputs the selected target aspect ratio Rhd_tar in the input field (see S33 and S34 in FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the higher the reference capacity Cb, the larger the aspect ratio Rhd at which the volume energy density VEDc is maximized. For this reason, data (square battery design information) is stored in the square battery DB 150 of the storage unit 114 of the design support apparatus 100, reflecting such characteristics. Further, in a specific reference capacity Cb, a range in which the volume energy density VEDc is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved (for example, a range of 5 to 12 (more preferably a range of 7 to 10) at 40 Ah) is determined.

(A-2-2-2-2-2. Relationship between the height Hc of the cell case 56 and the volume energy density VEDc)
FIG. 12 is a characteristic diagram showing the characteristics of the height Hc and the volume energy density VEDc of the cell case 56 of the present embodiment. The characteristics of FIG. 12 correspond to the case where the width Wc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 are specific values (fixed values). In this characteristic, the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 changes according to the height Hc of the cell case 56.

  As shown in FIG. 12, as the height Hc of the cell case 56 increases, the volume energy density VEDc increases. This is because the proportion of the volume of the portion that does not contribute to power generation occupies the entire square battery 30 decreases as the height Hc increases. The “portion that does not contribute to power generation” includes the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the positive electrode tab 72, the negative electrode tab 74, and the cell case 56. In the case of FIG. 12, in particular, the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, and the positive electrode The tab 72, the negative electrode tab 74, etc. influence.

(A-2-2-2-2-3. Relationship between depth Dc of cell case 56 and volume energy density VEDc)
FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing the characteristics of the depth Dc and the volume energy density VEDc of the cell case 56 of the present embodiment. The characteristics of FIG. 13 correspond to the case where the width Wc and the height Hc of the cell case 56 are specific values (fixed values). In this characteristic, the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 changes according to the depth Dc of the cell case 56.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the depth Dc of the cell case 56 decreases, the volume energy density VEDc decreases. This is because the smaller the depth Dc (in other words, the thinner the cell case 56), the greater the proportion of the volume of the portion that does not contribute to power generation occupies the entire square battery 30. Here, the “portion that does not contribute to power generation” includes the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the cell case 56, the positive electrode tab 72, and the negative electrode tab 74. In the case of FIG.

(A-2-2-2-2-4. Relationship between aspect ratio Rhd and area of cell case 56 and terminals 52 and 54)
FIG. 14 is a characteristic diagram showing characteristics of the aspect ratio Rhd and various areas according to the present embodiment. The various areas mentioned here include the area Ac of the cell case 56, the electrode area Ae, and the area Ao other than the electrodes. The area Ac of the cell case 56 is the area of the cell case 56 when viewed in the width direction of the cell case 56 (W direction in FIG. 5). In other words, in FIG. 6, the product of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 is the area Ac. The electrode area Ae is an area of the laminated electrode body 50 when viewed in the width direction of the cell case 56 (W direction in FIG. 5). In other words, in FIG. 6, the product of the height He and the depth De of the laminated electrode body 50 is the electrode area Ae. The areas of the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74 are not included in the electrode area Ae.

  The area Ao other than the electrode is a difference obtained by subtracting the electrode area Ae from the area Ac of the cell case 56 (Ao = Ac−Ae). The area Ao includes the areas of the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74. Furthermore, the area Ao includes the area of the cell case 56 corresponding to the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74.

  The characteristics of FIG. 14 correspond to the case where the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 are specific values (fixed values).

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 are fixed values, the areas Ac, Ae, and Ao change according to the aspect ratio Rhd. As for the area Ao other than the electrodes, the portion surrounded by the ellipse 300 is the lowest region. The electrode area Ae corresponding to this portion is gradually increased. Accordingly, the volume energy density VEDc increases in the portion surrounded by the ellipse 300.

(A-2-2-2-3. Calculation of height Hc and depth Dc of cell case 56)
As described above, in the square battery 30, there is a correlation between the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc (see FIG. 11). Therefore, when the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 are fixed values, one of the aspect ratios Rhd in which the volume energy density VEDc is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved (for example, the volume energy density VEDc is If the highest aspect ratio Rhd) is selected, the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 can be specified.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the aspect ratio Rhd are stored in the square battery DB 150. deep. Alternatively, calculation formulas for the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 may be stored in the storage unit 114, and the height Hc and the depth Dc may be calculated using the calculation formulas.

  For example, the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the aspect ratio Rhd are set as follows. That is, in the present embodiment, the plate thickness Tc of the cell case 56 and the gap (distance) between the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 are set as fixed values. For this reason, when the width Wc of the cell case 56 is determined, the width We of the multilayer electrode body 50 is also determined. In addition, when the reference capacity Cb is determined, the required volume Ve of the laminated electrode body 50 (the dimensions and the number Ne of the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62) is also determined.

  Therefore, if the designer inputs the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 in relation to the volume energy density VEDc, the design support apparatus 100 can set the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 and the cell. The height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the width Wc of the case 56 and the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar can be specified.

  When the combination of the reference capacity Cb, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is set based on the designer's input, the calculation unit 112 calculates the height of the cell case 56 based on the data in the storage unit 114. Hc and depth Dc are specified and displayed on the display unit 124.

  For example, in the case of use in the vehicle 10, the height Hc of the cell case 56 can be set to, for example, 177 to 230 mm, and the depth Dc can be set to, for example, 26 to 20 mm. In the numerical range of the depth Dc, the maximum value is first and the minimum value is after, the depth Dc corresponding to the height Hc of 177 mm is 26 mm, and the depth Dc corresponding to the height Hc of 230 mm is 20 mm. This is to show that.

(A-2-2-2-4. Calculation of the width We, the height He, and the depth De of the laminated electrode body 50)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the plate thickness Tc of the cell case 56 and the gap (distance) between the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 are set as fixed values. For this reason, if the dimensions (width Wc, height Hc, and depth Dc) of the cell case 56 are specified, the design support apparatus 100 determines the width We and height He of the stacked electrode body 50 based on the dimensions of the cell case 56. And the depth De can be calculated. In other words, when the combination of the reference capacity Cb, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is set, the design support apparatus 100 specifies the width We, the height He, and the depth De of the stacked electrode body 50. It is possible. However, as described in step S <b> 22 of FIG. 9, the width We of the laminated electrode body 50 can be specified when the width Wc of the cell case 56 is set.

  Instead of calculating the width We, the height He, and the depth De itself of the multilayer electrode body 50, the design support apparatus 100 may calculate the dimensions and the number Ne of the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62.

(A-2-2-2-5. Summary)
As described above, in the rectangular battery 30, there is a correlation between the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc (see FIG. 11). Therefore, when the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 are fixed values, one of the aspect ratios Rhd in which the volume energy density VEDc is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved (for example, the volume energy density VEDc is If the highest aspect ratio Rhd) is selected, the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 can be specified. When the designer inputs the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 in relation to the volume energy density VEDc, the design support apparatus 100 determines the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30 and the cell case 56. The height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the width Wc and the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar are specified and displayed on the display unit 124.

(A-2-2-3. Design of battery unit 22)
The designer designs the battery unit 22 on the premise of the square battery 30 designed as described above. When designing the battery unit 22, the designer determines the height of the battery unit 22 (corresponding to the width Wc of the rectangular battery 30), the required capacity Cub of the battery unit 22, the width Wv of the vehicle 10 (or the vehicle compartment 28), the vehicle The battery unit 22 is designed using the design support apparatus 100 so as to satisfy the restriction such as the depth Dca of the chamber 28. At that time, the battery unit design support unit 132 of the design support apparatus 100 executes the battery unit design support control while using the battery unit design information of the battery unit DB 152. As described above, the battery unit 22 of the present embodiment has the prismatic battery 30 disposed as shown in FIGS.

(A-2-2-4. Other designs)
In addition to the design of the prismatic battery 30 and the battery unit 22 described above, the design group designs the entire vehicle 10. At that time, the vehicle design support unit 134 of the design support apparatus 100 executes vehicle design support control while using the vehicle design information of the vehicle DB 154. As described above, the battery unit 22 of the present embodiment is disposed below the passenger compartment 28 (see FIG. 1).

[A-2-3. Manufacturing of each part]
The manufacturing group manufactures the prismatic battery 30 using the prismatic battery manufacturing apparatus 202 based on the design by the designer. The square battery manufacturing apparatus 202 manufactures the positive electrode 60, the negative electrode 62, the positive terminal 52, the negative terminal 54, the cell case 56, and the like. The square battery manufacturing apparatus 202 includes a manufacturing apparatus that individually manufactures these parts and an assembling apparatus that assembles these parts. Some operations for manufacturing the prismatic battery 30 may be performed manually.

  In addition, the manufacturing group manufactures the battery unit 22 using the battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204 based on the design by the designer. The battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204 includes an apparatus for arranging the rectangular batteries 30 and fixing them to the battery unit case 32. Further, the battery unit manufacturing apparatus 204 may include an apparatus for manufacturing the battery unit case 32. Part of the work for manufacturing the battery unit 22 may be performed manually.

[A-2-4. Assembly of vehicle 10]
The manufacturing group manufactures the vehicle 10 by assembling each component (battery unit 22 and the like) using the vehicle assembly device 206 based on the design by the designer. Some operations for assembling the vehicle 10 may be performed manually.

<A-3. Effects of this embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the design of the dimensions of the cell case 56 and the laminated electrode body 50 (design step, FIG. 9)
A reference capacity setting step (S21 in FIG. 9) for setting the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30;
A first dimension setting step (S22) for setting the width Wc of the cell case 56 and the width We of the multilayer electrode body 50;
A second dimension setting step (S23) for setting the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 and the height He and depth De of the laminated electrode body 50.

  In the second dimension setting step, the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the height He and the depth De of the multilayer electrode body 50 satisfying the reference capacity Cb on the condition that the width We of the multilayer electrode body 50 set in the first dimension setting step is used. The aspect ratio Rhd in which the volume energy density VEDc of the rectangular battery 30 is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved is selected from the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and the depth Dc, and the height of the cell case 56 corresponding to the aspect ratio Rhd A case height / depth setting step for setting Hc and depth Dc is included (S23 in FIG. 9).

  According to the present embodiment, first, the reference capacity Cb of the rectangular battery 30, the width Wc of the cell case 56, and the width We of the laminated electrode body 50 (in other words, the widths of the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62) are set ( (S21, S22 in FIG. 9). Next, the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the combination of the height He and the depth De of the multilayer electrode body 50 that satisfies the reference capacitance Cb on the condition that the width We of the multilayer electrode body 50 is set. Among them, the aspect ratio Rhd at which the volume energy density VEDc of the prismatic battery 30 is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved is selected, and the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the aspect ratio Rhd are set (S23). Thereby, high volumetric energy density VEDc can be realized while satisfying the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30.

  In the prismatic battery 30, the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the positive electrode tab 72, the negative electrode tab 74, and the cell case 56 do not directly contribute to power generation. Therefore, for example, the cell case 56 (and the laminated electrode body 50) with the dimensions of the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the positive electrode tab 72 and the negative electrode tab 74 and the width Wc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 fixed or close to each other. ) Is increased, the ratio of the volume (or area) of the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the positive electrode tab 72, and the negative electrode tab 74 to the laminated electrode body 50 is decreased. As a result, the volume energy density VEDc is reduced. It improves (FIG. 12).

  In addition, the dimensions of the positive terminal 52, the negative terminal 54, the positive tab 72, and the negative tab 74 and the width Wc and the height Hc of the cell case 56 are fixed or close to each other. When the depth Dc is decreased, the proportion of the volume Vc of the cell case 56 in the entire prismatic battery 30 increases, and as a result, the volume energy density VEDc decreases (FIG. 13).

  For these reasons, the volume energy density VEDc of the entire square battery 30 varies depending on the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 (FIG. 11).

  According to the present embodiment, after setting the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 (S21 and S22 in FIG. 9), the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to these is set. Among them, the aspect ratio Rhd at which the volume energy density VEDc of the prismatic battery 30 is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved is selected, and the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the aspect ratio Rhd are set (S23 in FIG. 9). ). Thereby, high volumetric energy density VEDc can be realized while satisfying the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing the width Wc of the cell case 56 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the width Wc is set shorter than the height Hc of the cell case 56 (FIG. 5). Thereby, the distance Le (FIG. 4) between the positive electrode terminal 52 (or positive electrode tab 72) and the negative electrode terminal 54 (or negative electrode tab 74) can be shortened. Therefore, the gap between the positive electrode terminal 52 (or the positive electrode tab 72) and the negative electrode terminal 54 (or the negative electrode tab 74) is reduced (by reducing useless space), and a higher volume energy density VEDc can be realized. Become.

  In the present embodiment, the aspect ratio Rhd selected in the case height / depth setting step (S23 in FIG. 9) is selected from the range of 5 to 12 (FIG. 14). Thereby, it becomes easy to make the volume ratio which the part (the positive electrode terminal 52, the negative electrode terminal 54, the positive electrode tab 72, the negative electrode tab 74, the cell case 56, etc.) which does not contribute directly to electric power generation occupies the minimum or its vicinity. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the volume energy density VEDc in the entire square battery 30.

  In the present embodiment, the width Wc of the cell case 56 selected in the first dimension setting step (S22 in FIG. 9) is selected from the range of 20 to 80 millimeters. Thereby, about the square battery 30 used for comparatively large capacity | capacitance uses, such as the vehicle 10, high volume energy density VEDc is realizable, satisfy | filling the reference capacity Cb of the square battery 30. FIG.

In the present embodiment, a design step (S11 in FIG. 8) for designing the square battery 30;
A square battery manufacturing step (S12) for manufacturing a plurality of square batteries 30 designed in the design step;
A battery unit manufacturing step (S12) for manufacturing the battery unit 22 by combining a plurality of prismatic batteries 30 and a battery unit arrangement step (S13) for arranging the battery unit 22 in the vehicle 10 are provided.

  The battery unit manufacturing step (S12 in FIG. 8) includes a square battery arranging step in which a plurality of the square batteries 30 are arranged in the depth direction of the cell case 56 (D direction in FIG. 5) (see FIG. 2). In the battery unit arranging step (S13 in FIG. 8), the width direction (W direction in FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 coincides with the height direction (Z direction in FIG. 2) of the vehicle 10, and the depth direction of the cell case 56 is reached. The battery unit 22 is arranged on the vehicle 10 so that the (D direction in FIG. 5) coincides with the width direction of the vehicle 10 (Y direction in FIG. 2) (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  Thereby, in addition to the effect of the manufacturing method of the square battery 30 mentioned above, there can exist the following effects. That is, according to the present embodiment, the width direction (W direction in FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 matches the height direction (Z direction in FIG. 1) of the vehicle 10, and the depth direction of the cell case 56 (in FIG. 5). The battery unit 22 is arranged on the vehicle 10 so that the (D direction) coincides with the width direction of the vehicle 10 (Y direction in FIG. 1). Thereby, the width Wc of the cell case 56 set prior to the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 is matched with the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the design freedom of the battery unit 22 in the height direction can be increased by setting the height Hu of the battery unit 22 in the vehicle 10 first. In addition, the degree of freedom of the required capacity Cub of the battery unit 22 can be improved by changing the number of the rectangular batteries 30 according to the required capacity Cub of the battery unit 22.

  In the present embodiment, in the battery unit arrangement step (S13 in FIG. 8), the battery unit 22 is arranged in the lower part of the passenger compartment 28 (FIG. 1). Thereby, the height Hu of the battery unit 22 (the width Wc of the cell case 56) can be adjusted as appropriate, and the degree of freedom in designing the vehicle compartment 28 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the design support apparatus 100 includes:
The input of the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 is received from the designer (user) (S31, S32 in FIG. 10),
The relationship between the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 and the volume energy density VEDc of the rectangular battery 30 (FIG. 11), and the aspect ratio Rhd Display the input field (S33),
The height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the aspect ratio Rhd input by the designer are calculated and displayed (S35).

  According to the present embodiment, first, the input of the reference capacity Cb of the rectangular battery 30 and the width Wc of the cell case 56 and the width We of the laminated electrode body 50 (in other words, the width of the positive electrode 60 and the negative electrode 62) is designed. Accept from the person. Next, of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 corresponding to the input reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56, the cell case 56 in which the volume energy density VEDc of the rectangular battery 30 is equal to or higher than the density threshold value THved. The height Hc and the depth Dc are calculated and displayed based on the input of the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar by the designer. This makes it possible to support the design of the prismatic battery 30 having a high volumetric energy density VEDc while realizing the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 required by the designer.

  In this embodiment, the width direction (W direction in FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 is aligned with the vertical direction (Z direction in FIG. 1) of the vehicle 10, and the depth direction (D direction in FIG. 5) and the height direction (FIG. 5). Is aligned with the horizontal direction of the vehicle 10 (XY direction in FIG. 1). In addition, the prismatic batteries 30 are arranged along the depth direction of the cell case 56 (FIGS. 1 to 4).

  As a result, the width direction of the cell case 56 matches the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. For this reason, by adjusting the width Wc of the cell case 56, the thickness of the vehicle 10 in the vertical direction can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the square batteries 30 in an aligned manner, the vehicle 10 can be placed under the floor, and the degree of freedom in layout can be improved.

B. Modifications It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted based on the description of the present specification. For example, the following configuration can be adopted.

<B-1. Applicable object>
In the said embodiment, although the square battery 30 and the battery unit 22 were applied to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1), you may apply not only to this but another object. For example, the square battery 30 or the battery unit 22 can be used for a moving object such as a ship or an aircraft. Alternatively, the square battery 30 or the battery unit 22 may be applied to a robot, a manufacturing apparatus, or a home appliance.

<B-2. Battery Unit 22>
[B-2-1. Arrangement of Battery Unit 22]
In the above embodiment, the battery unit 22 is arranged in the vehicle 10 so that the depth direction of the cell case 56 (D direction in FIG. 5) coincides with the width direction of the vehicle 10 (Y direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2). However, for example, if attention is paid to the function of the battery unit 22 as a power source in the vehicle 10 or the like, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the battery unit 22 may be arranged on the vehicle 10 so that the depth direction of the cell case 56 (D direction in FIG. 5) coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 (X direction in FIGS. 1 and 2).

  In the above embodiment, the battery unit 22 is arranged in the vehicle 10 so that the width direction of the cell case 56 (W direction in FIG. 5) matches the height direction of the vehicle 10 (Z direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) ( FIG. 1, FIG. 2). However, for example, if attention is paid to the function of the battery unit 22 as a power source in the vehicle 10 or the like, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery unit 22 is mounted on the vehicle 10 so that the width direction (W direction in FIG. 5) of the cell case 56 coincides with the front-rear direction (X direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) or the width direction (Y direction) of the vehicle 10. You may arrange.

  In the above embodiment, the battery unit 22 is disposed below the passenger compartment 28 (FIG. 1). However, for example, if attention is paid to a function as a power source in the vehicle 10 or the like, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery unit 22 may be disposed on the front side or the rear side of the passenger compartment 28.

  In the said embodiment, the lower surface of each battery 30 of a certain battery group 90 was arrange | positioned so that the lower surface of each battery 30 of the other battery group 90 might contact | connect (FIG. 2, FIG. 4). However, for example, if attention is paid to the function of the prismatic battery 30 as a power source in the vehicle 10 or the like, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the square batteries 30 may be arranged so that the directions of the batteries 30 are all the same.

[B-2-2. Configuration of Battery Unit 22]
In the embodiment described above, the battery unit 22 has a plurality of square battery groups 90 (FIG. 2). However, for example, if attention is paid to the function of the battery unit 22 as a power source in the vehicle 10 or the like, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, one square battery group 90 may be provided. Alternatively, when attention is paid to the prismatic battery 30, only the single prismatic battery 30 may be used (without the square battery group 90).

<B-3. Design of prismatic battery 30>
[B-3-1. Setting order of width Wc, height Hc and depth Dc of cell case 56]
In the above embodiment, after setting the width Wc of the cell case 56 (S22 in FIG. 9), the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 are set (S23). However, for example, from the viewpoint of setting the aspect ratio Rhd of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 so that the volume energy density VEDc is equal to or higher than the density threshold value THved, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, after setting the depth Dc of the cell case 56, the width Wc and the height Hc of the cell case 56 may be set. In this case, the height Hc is set so as to satisfy the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar in relation to the depth Dc, and the width Wc is set so as to satisfy the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 with the height Hc and the depth Dc as conditions. Set.

  The same applies to the case where the width Wc and the depth Dc of the cell case are set after the height Hc of the cell case 56 is set. That is, after setting the height Hc of the cell case 56, the width Wc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 may be set. In this case, the depth Dc is set so as to satisfy the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar in relation to the height Hc, and the width Wc is set so as to satisfy the reference capacity Cb of the prismatic battery 30 with the height Hc and the depth Dc as conditions. Set.

[B-3-2. Dimensions of cell case 56]
In the above embodiment, the width Wc of the cell case 56 is smaller than the height Hc and larger than the depth Dc (FIG. 5 and the like). However, for example, from the viewpoint of the aspect ratio Rhd that realizes a high volume energy density VEDc, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the width Wc of the cell case 56 may be smaller than the height Hc and the depth Dc.

[B-3-3. Square battery design support control]
Regarding the prismatic battery design support control of the above embodiment, the design support apparatus 100 is a characteristic diagram of the aspect ratio Rhd and the volume energy density VEDc based on the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 input by the designer (see FIG. 11) and an input field for the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar is displayed on the display unit 124 (S33 in FIG. 10). Then, the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 based on the target aspect ratio Rhd_tar input by the designer are displayed (S34).

  However, for example, from the viewpoint of specifying the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 based on the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of displaying the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56, the height Hc and depth Dc of the cell case 56 are output to an external device (for example, a management server that manages the design of the prismatic battery 30). Also good.

  Alternatively, when the design support apparatus 100 receives an input of the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 from the designer (user), the design support apparatus 100 corresponds to the reference capacity Cb and the width Wc of the cell case 56 of the prismatic battery 30. The height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56 at which the volume energy density VEDc is equal to or higher than the density threshold THved may be calculated and automatically displayed or output. In this case, not only a single value is displayed or output for each of the height Hc and the depth Dc of the cell case 56, but a numerical range may be displayed or output for each of the height Hc and the depth Dc.

<B-4. Other>
In the said embodiment or the said modification, the case where an equal sign was included in the comparison of a numerical value and the case where it was not included existed. However, for example, if there is no special meaning including or removing the equal sign (in other words, the effect of the present invention can be obtained), it is optional whether or not the equal sign is included in the comparison of numerical values. Can be set. In that sense, for example, the presence or absence of an equal sign does not have a significant meaning for the comparison between the volume energy density VEDc and the density threshold THved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle 22 ... Battery unit 28 ... Vehicle compartment 30 ... Square battery 50 ... Laminated electrode body 52 ... Positive electrode terminal 54 ... Negative electrode terminal 56 ... Cell case 60 ... Positive electrode 62 ... Negative electrode 64 ... Separator 72 ... Positive electrode tab 74 ... Negative electrode tab 100 ... Design support device Cb ... Reference capacity Dc ... Depth of cell case ... Depth of laminated electrode body Hc ... Height of cell case ... Height of laminated electrode body Rhd ... Aspect ratio THved ... Density threshold VEDc ... Volume Energy density Wc ... cell case width We ... laminated electrode body width

Claims (11)

A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A rectangular battery manufacturing method having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body,
A design step of designing the prismatic battery;
A manufacturing step for manufacturing the prismatic battery designed in the design step, and
The six sides of the cell case
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fifth surface and the sixth surface perpendicular to the fourth surface are defined, and the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the The length of the side where the fourth surface is in contact with the width of the cell case,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The design step includes
A reference capacity setting step for setting a reference capacity of the square battery;
A first dimension setting step for setting a width of the cell case and a width of the laminated electrode body;
A second dimension setting step for setting the height and depth of the cell case and the height and depth of the laminated electrode body,
In the second dimension setting step, the cell case of the cell case corresponding to a combination of the height and depth of the stacked electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the width of the stacked electrode body set in the first dimension setting step. Case height for selecting the aspect ratio at which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold among the aspect ratios of height and depth, and setting the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio A method for manufacturing a prismatic battery, comprising: a depth / depth setting step. In the manufacturing method of the square battery according to claim 1,
A method for manufacturing a rectangular battery, wherein the width is set shorter than the height of the cell case. In the manufacturing method of the square battery according to claim 1 or 2,
The aspect ratio selected in the case height / depth setting step is selected from a range of 5 to 12. A method for manufacturing a prismatic battery, wherein: In the manufacturing method of the square battery of any one of Claims 1-3,
The method for manufacturing a prismatic battery, wherein the width of the cell case selected in the first dimension setting step is selected from a range of 20 to 80 millimeters. A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A method of manufacturing a vehicle equipped with a rectangular battery having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body,
A design step of designing the prismatic battery;
A square battery manufacturing step for manufacturing a plurality of the square batteries designed in the design step, a battery unit manufacturing step for manufacturing a battery unit by combining a plurality of the square batteries, and a battery unit for arranging the battery units in the vehicle A placement step and
The six sides of the cell case
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fifth surface and the sixth surface perpendicular to the fourth surface are defined, and the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the The length of the side where the fourth surface is in contact with the width of the cell case,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The design step includes
A reference capacity setting step for setting a reference capacity of the square battery;
A first dimension setting step for setting a width of the cell case and a width of the laminated electrode body;
A second dimension setting step for setting the height and depth of the cell case and the height and depth of the laminated electrode body,
In the second dimension setting step, the cell case of the cell case corresponding to a combination of the height and depth of the stacked electrode body that satisfies the reference capacity on the condition of the width of the stacked electrode body set in the first dimension setting step. Case height for selecting the aspect ratio at which the volume energy density of the prismatic battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold among the aspect ratios of height and depth, and setting the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio Including depth and depth setting steps,
The battery unit manufacturing step includes a square battery arrangement step of arranging a plurality of the square batteries in the depth direction of the cell case,
In the battery unit arranging step, the battery unit is placed in the vehicle so that a width direction of the cell case coincides with a height direction of the vehicle, and a depth direction of the cell case coincides with a width direction or a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A method for manufacturing a vehicle, characterized by comprising: The vehicle manufacturing method according to claim 5,
In the battery unit arranging step, the battery unit is arranged in a lower part of a passenger compartment. A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A prismatic battery design support method for supporting the design of a prismatic battery having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body using a design support device,
The six sides of the cell case
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fifth surface and the sixth surface perpendicular to the fourth surface are defined, and the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the The length of the side where the fourth surface is in contact with the width of the cell case,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The design support apparatus includes:
Accepting input from the user of the reference capacity of the square battery and the width of the cell case,
The relationship between the aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the reference capacity and the width of the cell case and the volumetric energy density of the prismatic battery, and an input field for the aspect ratio are displayed.
Calculate and display or output the height and depth of the cell case corresponding to the aspect ratio input by the user, or
The design support apparatus includes:
Accepting input from the user of the reference capacity of the square battery and the width of the cell case,
A square shape that calculates and displays or outputs the height and depth of the cell case where the volume energy density of the square battery is equal to or higher than a density threshold corresponding to the reference capacity and the width of the cell case. Battery design support method. A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A rectangular battery having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body,
The cell case is
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
A fifth surface and a sixth surface perpendicular to the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface;
The width of the cell case is defined as the length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the third surface and the fourth surface,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The aspect ratio of the height and depth of the cell case is included in the range of 5 to 12. Square battery characterized by the above. The prismatic battery according to claim 8,
A width of the cell case is included in a range of 20 to 80 millimeters. A laminated electrode body in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode facing each other through a separator are laminated;
A positive electrode terminal to which a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from one end side of each short side of the positive electrode are connected;
A negative electrode terminal to which a plurality of negative electrode tabs projecting from the other end side of each short side of the negative electrode on the same side as the positive electrode tab are connected;
A rectangular battery having a rectangular parallelepiped cell case that houses the laminated electrode body,
The cell case is
A first surface and a second surface parallel to the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
A third surface on which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are disposed;
A fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
A fifth surface and a sixth surface perpendicular to the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface;
The width of the cell case is defined as the length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the third surface and the fourth surface,
The length of the side where the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the fifth surface and the sixth surface is the height of the cell case,
When defining the length in the stacking direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode as the depth of the cell case,
The width | variety of the said cell case is shorter than the height of the said cell case, and is contained in the range of 20-80 millimeters. The square battery characterized by the above-mentioned. A vehicle having a plurality of prismatic batteries according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
A vehicle characterized in that a width direction of the cell case is aligned with a vertical direction, a depth direction and a height direction are aligned with a horizontal direction, and the square batteries are aligned and arranged along the depth direction of the cell case.

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