JP2022158187A - Battery pack for power tool and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a novel battery pack that employs a pouch-type battery cell.SOLUTION: A battery pack includes a pouch-shaped battery cell arranged to be stacked along a first direction, a substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and to which positive electrode tabs and negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are connected, a frame having the substrate mounted thereon and looping around the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells along the substrate, a sealing material filled in the area surrounded by the frame and sealing the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs extending from the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells to the substrate, and a housing containing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate, and the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to battery packs for power tools and methods of manufacturing the same.

Patent Document 1 describes a battery pack for a power tool. In this battery pack, a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are stacked along one direction. Each pouch-style battery cell has a positive tab and a negative tab, and all positive and negative tabs are connected to the substrate. The substrate and the positive electrode tab and negative electrode tab connected thereto are sealed inside the housing with a sealing material. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a short circuit inside the battery pack.

JP 2020-205251 A

In the battery pack described above, the substrate, the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells, and the housing that accommodates them are integrally fixed by the sealing material. With such a configuration, the water resistance of the battery pack can be enhanced. On the other hand, there is a problem that an external force applied to the housing is easily transmitted to the substrate and the pouch-type battery cells through the sealing material.

In view of the above, the present specification discloses a novel battery pack. This battery pack includes a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked in a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to the pouch-type battery cells and to which the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are connected; a frame extending around the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells along the substrate; and a range surrounded by the frame and extending from the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells to the substrate. A sealing material that seals the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, and a housing that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate, and the frame are provided.

In the configuration described above, the positive electrode tabs and negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are connected to the substrate. The positive and negative tabs connected to the substrate are surrounded by a frame that loops along the substrate. The area surrounded by the frame is filled with a sealing material, and the sealing material seals the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a short circuit inside the battery pack. The plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate and the frame, including the sealing material, are housed inside the housing. With such a configuration, the sealing material does not come into direct contact with the housing, and a gap can be provided between the housing and the board or frame. Thereby, even when an external force is applied to the housing, it is possible to prevent the external force from being transmitted to the substrate and the pouch-type battery cell.

The present specification further discloses a novel method of manufacturing the battery pack. This manufacturing method includes a step of preparing a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product includes a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked in a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to the pouch-type battery cells and to which the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are connected; and a frame that circles around the plurality of pouch-type battery cells along the substrate. The manufacturing method further includes the step of placing the semi-finished product so that the area surrounded by the frame is positioned above the substrate, and filling the area surrounded by the frame with a fluid material; curing the material to form an encapsulant encapsulating the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs extending from the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells to the substrate; enclosing the frame with the encapsulant in a housing.

2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battery pack 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cell unit 30 in an exploded manner; FIG. 4 is a front view of the cell unit 30; FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4; A cross-sectional view at the same position as in FIG. 5 shows a modified example of the lead plate 80x. 4 is a perspective view showing a frame 50 and a sub-board 70; FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the VIII section in FIG. 7; 4 is a perspective view showing a cell holder 40; FIG. 3 shows the flow of cooling air in the battery pack 10. FIG. 4 shows the flow of cooling air in the opposite direction in the battery pack 10. FIG. A variation of the internal air intake 34 is shown. A variant of the flow guide wall 38 is shown. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a step of a method for manufacturing the battery pack 10; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a step of a method for manufacturing the battery pack 10; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a step of a method for manufacturing the battery pack 10; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a step of a method for manufacturing the battery pack 10; FIG. The perspective view which shows the sub-board|substrate 170 of a modification.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the sealing material may be made of a potting material or a photocurable material. That is, the encapsulant may be a material that cures by drying or a material that cures by exposure.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the frame may have a frame surface that contacts the substrate along the periphery of the substrate. With such a configuration, the substrate is stably supported by the frame. In addition, when the battery pack is manufactured, it is possible to prevent the uncured sealing material from leaking out from the gap between the substrate and the frame.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a sheet material that is more flexible than the frame and the substrate may be interposed between the frame surface of the frame and the substrate. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further suppress leakage of the uncured sealing material from the gap between the substrate and the frame.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the frame may have an inner surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells. In this case, the inner surface of the frame may be provided with a plurality of ribs that respectively support the plurality of pouch-type battery cells. According to such a configuration, in manufacturing the battery pack, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are stably supported by the frame until the sealing material is cured.

In the above embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs may be spaced from the substrate. According to such a configuration, when the battery pack is manufactured, the uncured sealing material can flow over a wide range without being hindered by the ribs.

Additionally or alternatively, each of the ribs may have a notch located within the encapsulant. According to such a configuration, in manufacturing the battery pack, the uncured sealing material can flow over a wide range without being hindered by the ribs.

In the embodiments described above, the frame may have a protrusion between each two adjacent ones of the plurality of ribs. In this case, the projecting portion may support a corresponding one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells from the second direction. According to such a configuration, in manufacturing the battery pack, the positional relationship between the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and the substrate can be maintained until the sealing material is cured.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the substrate may have a plurality of tab connection holes. In this case, one corresponding positive electrode tab or negative electrode tab of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be inserted into each of the plurality of tab connection holes. According to such a configuration, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the pouch-type battery cell can be firmly connected to the substrate.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the substrate may have a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface opposite the first surface. In this case, each of the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be bonded to the substrate on the second surface. According to such a configuration, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the pouch-type battery cell can be easily joined to the substrate.

In one embodiment of the present technology, on the second surface of the substrate, the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be covered with an adhesive. With such a configuration, the substrate is protected from foreign matter and moisture that enter from the outside, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as a short circuit in the substrate.

In one embodiment of the present technology, the battery pack may further include a cell holder located inside the housing and holding the plurality of pouch-type battery cells. In this case, the frame may be attached to the cell holder. With such a configuration, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells can be stably held by the frame and the cell holder.

In one embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the present technology, in the step of preparing the semi-finished product, each of the plurality of tab connection holes provided in the substrate is provided with a corresponding one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells. inserting one of said positive tabs or said negative tabs.

In the above embodiment, the substrate may have a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface opposite to the first surface. In this case, the step of preparing the semi-finished product includes the step of bonding each of the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells inserted into the plurality of tab connection holes to the second surface. It may contain further.

Below, representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing a preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, the additional features and inventions disclosed below can be used separately or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide still improved battery packs.

Moreover, any combination of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not required to practice the invention in its broadest sense, but are specifically intended to illustrate representative embodiments of the invention only. is described. Moreover, various features of the exemplary embodiments described above and below, as well as those set forth in the independent and dependent claims, are described herein in providing additional and useful embodiments of the invention. They do not have to be combined in the exact order given or in the order listed.

All features set forth in the specification and/or claims, apart from the configuration of the features set forth in the examples and/or claims, are limitations on the originally disclosed and claimed subject matter: They are intended to be disclosed separately and independently of each other. Moreover, all numerical ranges and groupings or populations are intended to disclose configurations intermediate therebetween as limitations on the original disclosure as well as the specific subject matter claimed.

A battery pack 10 of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The battery pack 10 of this embodiment is a battery pack for an electric power tool, and can be suitably employed particularly in a hand-held electric power tool. A power tool as used herein typically means a power tool having a motor or other actuator. However, the battery pack 10 of the present embodiment may be used in other electric equipment in addition to electric power tools.

Here, the direction FR in the drawings indicates the front in the front-rear direction, and the direction RR indicates the rear in the front-rear direction, which is opposite to the front. The direction LH in the drawing indicates the left in the left-right direction, and the direction RH indicates the right in the left-right direction, which is opposite to the left. The direction UP in the drawing indicates the upward direction, and the direction DW indicates the downward direction in the vertical direction, which is opposite to the upward direction. Note that the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction referred to here are defined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the orientation of the battery pack 10 during use or manufacture.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack 10 includes a housing 12, cell units 30 housed inside the housing 12, and a buffer member 28 arranged between the housing 12 and the cell units 30. . The cushioning member 28 is made of a rubber material. The housing 12 has an upper part 12x and a lower part 12y. The housing 12 has a generally cuboid shape and has a front wall 12a, a rear wall 12b, a left wall 12c, a right wall 12d, a top wall 12e and a bottom wall 12f. A tool interface 20 is provided on the top wall 12e of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. The tool interface 20 is physically and electrically detachable from the power tool and charger.

By way of example, tool interface 20 in this embodiment includes a pair of engagement rails 22 and an electrical connector 24 . A pair of engagement rails 22 physically engage the power tool or charger to secure the battery pack 10 to the power tool or charger. Electrical connector 24 electrically connects with a power tool or charger when tool interface 20 is attached to the power tool or charger. This electrically connects the battery pack 10 to the power tool or charger. The position and structure of the tool interface 20 are not particularly limited.

Housing 12 has an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 . An air intake 14 is located at the front portion of the housing 12 and an air outlet 16 is located at the rear portion of the housing 12 . In other words, the intake port 14 is positioned forward of the exhaust port 16 . As a result, the cooling air flows rearward in the front-rear direction inside the housing 12 . As an example, the air inlet 14 in this embodiment is provided on the front wall 12a, the left side wall 12c and the right side wall 12d of the housing 12, and the air outlet 16 is provided on the upper wall 12e of the housing 12. . Although details will be described later, when the battery pack 10 is attached to an external device 200 such as a power tool or a charger, the exhaust port 16 is connected to the blower 202 of the external device 200 (see FIG. 10). Thereby, the inside of the battery pack 10 is forcibly ventilated by the blower 202 of the external device 200 .

The cell unit 30 includes a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100 and an inner housing 32 that accommodates the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100 . The pouch-type battery cell 100 is a battery cell that accommodates positive and negative current collecting sheets and an electrolytic solution inside an exterior made of a laminate film. Each pouch-shaped battery cell 100 has a generally flat shape, and the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100 are stacked upward (first direction). Each pouch-style battery cell 100 has a positive tab 102 and a negative tab 104 . The positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 are electrodes of the pouch-type battery cell 100, and are made of a conductive sheet such as metal. In each pouch-shaped battery cell 100, the positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 protrude forward (second direction). Although not particularly limited, the pouch-type battery cell 100 in this embodiment is a rechargeable secondary battery cell, particularly a lithium-ion battery cell. Below, the pouch-type battery cell 100 is simply referred to as the battery cell 100 .

The cell unit 30 includes a cell holder 40 , a frame 50 , a main board 60 , a sub-board 70 and connection members 80 . The cell holder 40 , the frame 50 , the main board 60 and the sub-board 70 are assembled together to form the inner housing 32 that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 . Internal housing 32 has an internal inlet 34 and an internal outlet 36 . The internal intake port 34 is positioned forward of the internal exhaust port 36 . As a result, the cooling air flows rearward in the front-rear direction also inside the internal housing 32 . As an example, the internal intake port 34 and the internal exhaust port 36 in this embodiment are provided in the cell holder 40 . Specifically, the internal intake port 34 is provided at a position facing the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100 in the left-right direction, and the internal exhaust port 36 is located behind the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100. .

The main substrate 60 is arranged above (in the first direction) the plurality of battery cells 100 . Main board 60 has power port 26 . The power port 26 is located inside the tool interface 20 and electrically connects with an external device 200, such as a power tool or charger. As an example, the power port 26 in this embodiment has a contact-type external connection terminal made of a conductor. However, the power port 26 may also be a wireless power port, for example with an electromagnetic induction coil. The main substrate 60 is fixed to the cell holder 40 using multiple screws 61 .

The sub-board 70 is arranged forward (second direction) with respect to the plurality of battery cells 100 . Positive electrode tabs 102 and negative electrode tabs 104 of a plurality of battery cells 100 are connected to the sub-board 70 . Thereby, the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected to each other by the sub-board 70 . Although details will be described later, the sub-board 70 in this embodiment is configured to connect a plurality of battery cells 100 in series. However, as another embodiment, the sub-board 70 may be configured to connect some or all of the plurality of battery cells 100 in parallel. The sub-board 70 is fixed to the frame 50 using a plurality of screws 71 and is detachably attached to the cell holder 40 via the frame 50 . As an example, the frame 50 is fixed to the cell holder 40 with a plurality of screws 51 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the connecting member 80 extends between the sub-board 70 and the main board 60 and electrically connects the sub-board 70 and the main board 60 . Thereby, the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected to the power port 26 via the sub-board 70 and the main board 60 . As an example, the connection member 80 has a pair of lead plates 80x and 80y. The pair of lead plates 80x and 80y includes a positive lead plate 80x and a negative lead plate 80y. Each lead plate 80x, 80y is made of a conductor such as metal. The main board 60 extends above the sub-board 70 and intersects a straight line extending upward (first direction) from the sub-board 70 . Therefore, each of the lead plates 80x and 80y extends parallel to the upper direction (first direction) between the sub-board 70 and the main board 60. As shown in FIG. With such a configuration, the main board 60 and the sub-board 70 can be connected by the shortest path.

However, as shown in FIG. 6, in another embodiment, the main board 60 does not extend above the sub-board 70 and does not intersect the straight line extending in the first direction (upward) from the sub-board 70. good too. In this case, the lead plates 80x and 80y may extend between the sub-board 70 and the main board 60 at an angle to the upper direction (first direction). With such a configuration as well, the main board 60 and the sub-board 70 can be connected via a relatively short path. Here, the angle formed by the lead plates 80x and 80y with the upper direction (first direction) is not particularly limited. The lead plates 80x and 80y may extend linearly between the sub substrate 70 and the main substrate 60, or may extend while curving.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the sub-board 70 has a plurality of tab connection holes 78 . One corresponding positive electrode tab 102 or negative electrode tab 104 of the plurality of battery cells 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of tab connection holes 78 . Here, the sub-board 70 has a rear surface 70a facing the plurality of battery cells 100 and a front surface 70b located on the opposite side of the rear surface 70a. Each of the positive electrode tabs 102 and the negative electrode tabs 104 of the plurality of battery cells 100 is bonded to the sub-substrate 70 on the front surface 70b of the sub-substrate 70 . Specifically, each of the positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 is joined to the front surface 70b of the sub-board 70 by soldering.

Although not particularly limited, the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 100 are stacked one by one while being turned upside down. As a result, in each two adjacent battery cells 100, the positive electrode tab 102 of one battery cell 100 and the negative electrode tab 104 of the other battery cell 100 are adjacent in the vertical direction (that is, along the first direction). is doing. With such a configuration, a circuit that connects the plurality of battery cells 100 in series can be simply formed on the sub-board 70 . In other words, the arrangement and individual posture of the plurality of battery cells 100 can be appropriately designed according to the circuit to be formed on the sub-board 70 .

The sub-board 70 in this embodiment includes first conductor lines 72 intermittently extending upward, second conductor lines 74 intermittently extending in parallel with the first conductor lines 72 , and first conductor lines 72 . and a third conductor line 76 extending upwardly between the second conductor lines 74 . A plurality of tab connection holes 78 are arranged in each of the first conductor lines 72 and the second conductor lines 74, and the positive electrode tabs 102 or the negative electrode tabs 104 of the respective battery cells 100 are joined. The upper end of the first conductor line 72 is connected to the positive lead plate 80x, and the lower end of the second conductor line 74 is connected through the third conductor line 76 to the negative lead plate 80y. On the front surface 70 b of the sub-board 70 , the positive electrode tabs 102 and negative electrode tabs 104 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are covered with an adhesive 92 . The adhesive 92 also covers the first conductor line 72 , the second conductor line 74 and the third conductor line 76 in addition to the positive tab 102 and the negative tab 104 .

With the above configuration, the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected in series between the positive lead plate 80x and the negative lead plate 80y. The positive electrode tab 102 of the uppermost battery cell 100 located closest to the main substrate 60 is connected to the positive electrode lead plate 80 x via the first conductor line 72 . On the other hand, the negative electrode tab 104 of the battery cell 100 located farthest from the main substrate 60 is connected to the negative electrode lead plate 80 y via the third conductor line 76 .

The structure of the frame 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5-8. The frame 50 is made of a polymer material such as resin. However, the material forming the frame 50 is not particularly limited. As described above, the sub-board 70 is attached to the frame 50 . The frame 50 has a shape that goes around the plurality of battery cells 100 along the sub-board 70 . The area surrounded by the frame 50 is filled with a sealing material 90 . A positive electrode tab 102 and a negative electrode tab 104 extending from the plurality of battery cells 100 to the sub-substrate 70 are enclosed in the sealing material 90 . As a result, the positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 and the sub-board 70 to which they are connected are protected from foreign matter and moisture that enter from the outside, and the occurrence of a short circuit inside the battery pack 10 can be suppressed. . Here, the sealing material 90 may be made of a potting material or a photocurable material. An example of the photocurable material is an ultraviolet curable resin.

The frame 50 is provided with a frame surface 56 in contact with the sub-board 70 . The frame surface 56 faces forward so as to face the sub-board 70 and is annularly provided along the peripheral edge 70 c of the sub-board 70 . With such a configuration, the sub-board 70 is stably supported by the frame 50 . Moreover, when manufacturing the battery pack 10 , it is possible to prevent the uncured sealant 90 from leaking out from the gap between the sub-board 70 and the frame 50 . Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a sheet material 57 that is more flexible than the frame 50 and the sub-board 70 may be interposed between the frame surface 56 of the frame 50 and the sub-board 70 .

The frame 50 has an inner surface 52 that faces the plurality of battery cells 100 . The inner surface 52 extends annularly to surround the plurality of battery cells 100 . A plurality of ribs 54 are provided on the inner surface 52 of the frame 50 . A plurality of ribs 54 are arranged along the up-down direction, and each rib 54 extends along the front-rear direction. The multiple ribs 54 support the multiple battery cells 100 respectively. That is, each battery cell 100 is inserted between two adjacent ribs 54 . According to such a configuration, in manufacturing the battery pack 10, the plurality of battery cells 100 are stably supported by the frame 50 until the sealing material 90 hardens.

A gap CL is provided between each of the plurality of ribs 54 and the sub-board 70 . In other words, a gap CL is provided between each of the multiple ribs 54 and the frame surface 56 . In this way, if each of the plurality of ribs 54 is positioned apart from the sub-board 70 , the encapsulating material 90 before hardening is not obstructed by the ribs 54 when manufacturing the battery pack 10 . , can flow over a wide range. Note that the gap CL between the rib 54 and the sub-board 70 can also be interpreted as a notch provided in the rib 54 . Also, such a notch may be provided in an intermediate portion of the rib 54 in the longitudinal direction instead of the end portion of the rib 54 . Even with such a configuration, the sealing material 90 before hardening can flow over a wide range through the notch.

The frame 50 further has protrusions 55 between each two adjacent ones of the plurality of ribs 54 . The projecting portion 55 abuts on a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells 100 to support the battery cell 100 from the front. A specific structure of the projecting portion 55 is not particularly limited. The protruding portion 55 may abut on the battery cell 100 from the front. may

The frame 50 has a rim portion 58 projecting forward. The rim portions 58 are provided on the left and right sides of the frame 50, respectively. The rim portion 58 extends vertically along the peripheral edge 70 c of the sub-board 70 and covers the peripheral edge 70 c of the sub-board 70 . With such a configuration, the sub-board 70 can be protected by the frame 50 . Also, when attaching the sub-board 70 to the frame 50 , the rim portion 58 can be used as a guide for positioning the sub-board 70 with respect to the frame 50 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 , the cell holder 40 holds a plurality of battery cells 100 inside the housing 12 . The cell holder 40 has an inner surface 42 facing the plurality of battery cells 100 . A plurality of ribs 44 are provided on the inner surface 42 of the cell holder 40 . Although not particularly limited, in the cell holder 40 of this embodiment, the plurality of ribs 44 are positioned behind the plurality of battery cells 100 . That is, it is located on the opposite side of the sub-board 70 , the positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 with respect to the plurality of battery cells 100 . A plurality of ribs 44 are arranged along the up-down direction, and each rib 44 extends along the left-right direction. The multiple ribs 44 support the multiple battery cells 100 respectively. That is, each battery cell 100 is inserted between two adjacent ribs 44 .

The cell holder 40 has a left part 40x and a right part 40y, and accommodates a plurality of battery cells 100 between the left part 40x and the right part 40y. The left part 40 x constitutes a left side wall 40 a of the cell holder 40 and a part of the rear wall 40 c of the cell holder 40 . The right part 40 y constitutes the right side wall 40 b of the cell holder 40 and another part of the rear wall 40 c of the cell holder 40 . The plurality of ribs 44 described above are positioned on the rear wall of the cell holder 40c and provided on each of the left part 40x and the right part 40y. As described above, the cell holder 40 constitutes the inner housing 32 that accommodates the plurality of battery cells 100 together with the main board 60 and the sub-board 70 . Specifically, at least part of the upper wall of the internal housing 32 is configured by the main board 60 , and at least part of the front wall of the internal housing 32 is configured by the sub-board 70 . By configuring at least part of the internal housing 32 with one or more substrates 60 and 70 in this manner, the space for arranging the substrates 60 and 70 can be reduced and the weight of the internal housing 32 can be reduced. can be planned.

A left side wall 40a and a right side wall 40b of the cell holder 40 constitute side walls of the inner housing 32, respectively. The sidewalls of inner housing 32 are sometimes referred to herein as inner sidewalls to distinguish them from sidewalls 12c, 12d of housing 12. As shown in FIG. The side walls 40 a and 40 b (that is, internal side walls) of the cell holder 40 are perpendicular to the left or right (third direction) upward (first direction) and forward (second direction) with respect to the plurality of battery cells 100 . facing from The side walls 40a and 40b of the cell holder 40 are provided with the internal air inlets 34 described above. The internal intake port 34 has a plurality of through holes provided in the side walls 40a, 40b of the cell holder 40. As shown in FIG. The plurality of through holes of the internal intake port 34 are arranged upward (first direction), and each through hole is an elongated hole extending forward (second direction).

Side walls 40 a and 40 b of the cell holder 40 are provided with flow guide walls 38 . The flow guide wall 38 is located between the side walls 40a, 40b of the cell holder 40 and the side walls 12c, 12d of the housing 12 facing the side walls 40a, 40b of the cell holder 40. As shown in FIG. The flow guide wall 38 protrudes toward the side walls 12c, 12d of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. The internal intake port 34 is positioned forward of the flow guide wall 38 . With such a configuration, the cooling air introduced into the housing 12 through the intake port 14 can be smoothly guided into the inner housing 32 through the internal intake port 34 .

On the other hand, the rear wall 40c of the cell holder 40 is provided with the internal exhaust port 36 described above. The internal exhaust port 36 is located at the upper end of the rear wall 40c and opens upward. The rear wall 40 c is further provided with an exhaust passage 46 connected to the internal exhaust port 36 . The exhaust passage 46 extends vertically behind the plurality of battery cells 100 .

The flow of cooling air in battery pack 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the flow of cooling air is schematically indicated by arrows. As described above, when the battery pack 10 is attached to an external device 200 such as a power tool or charger, the exhaust port 16 of the housing 12 is connected to the blower 202 of the external device 200 . Here, the internal outlet 36 of the inner housing 32 is located within the outlet 16 of the housing 12 and is connected to the outlet 16 in a substantially airtight manner. Blower 202 sucks air from inside battery pack 10 by blowing air in the opposite direction to battery pack 10 .

When the blower 202 operates, outside air is introduced into the housing 12 through the air intake 14 . Cooling air flows rearward inside the housing 12 . At this time, since the intake port 14 is located in front of the sub-board 70, the sub-board 70 is also effectively cooled by the cooling air. Cooling air in the housing 12 is introduced into the interior of the internal housing 32 through the internal intake port 34 . Since the internal intake port 34 has a plurality of through holes arranged along the vertical direction, the cooling air is evenly distributed to the plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in a vertical stack. Inside the internal intake port 34 , the cooling air flows rearward and is then exhausted to the outside through the internal exhaust port 36 and the exhaust port 16 . By locating the internal exhaust port 36 and the exhaust port 16 behind the plurality of battery cells 100 , the cooling air is exhausted to the outside after completely passing through the plurality of battery cells 100 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , blower 202 of external device 200 may blow air toward battery pack 10 . In this case, inlet 14 and outlet 16 of housing 12 function as the outlet and inlet of housing 12, respectively. Similarly, internal inlet 34 and internal outlet 36 of inner housing 32 function as the internal outlet and internal inlet of inner housing 32, respectively. In this case, the internal air intake (36) is located within the air intake (16) and is connected substantially airtight with the air intake (16). The internal air intake (36) and the air intake (16) are located behind the plurality of battery cells 100, and the cooling air flows forward inside the housing 12 and the internal housing 32. As shown in FIG. The exhaust port ( 14 ) of the housing 12 is positioned forward of the internal exhaust port ( 34 ) of the internal housing 32 and further forward of the plurality of battery cells 100 . The internal exhaust port (34) is located in the side walls 40a, 40b of the cell holder 40 and has a plurality of through holes arranged along the vertical direction. Each through-hole is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction.

FIG. 12 shows one variation of the internal air intake 34 . As shown in FIG. 12, some or all of the through holes of the internal air inlet 34 may have different sizes. In this case, as an example, some or all of the plurality of through-holes may have different dimensions in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the distances between each of the plurality of through-holes and the flow guide wall 38 may be equal to each other. As another embodiment, the dimensions in the front-rear direction may be different in some or all of the plurality of through-holes of the internal intake port 34 .

FIG. 13 shows a variant of the flow guide wall 38 . As shown in FIG. 13, flow guide walls 38 may be provided on housing 12 instead of or in addition to cell holders 40 . In this case, the flow guide wall 38 may protrude from the housing 12 towards the cell holder 40 , ie towards the inner housing 32 . Even with such a configuration, the cooling air introduced inside the housing 12 can be smoothly guided into the inside of the internal housing 32 through the internal intake port 34 .

Next, a method for manufacturing the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 14, a semi-finished product 30A of the cell unit 30 is prepared by assembling the frame 50, the sub-board 70 and the plurality of battery cells 100 together. In this semi-finished product 30A, a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked upward (first direction). Each battery cell 100 also has a positive electrode tab 102 and a negative electrode tab 104 that protrude forward. The plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked upside down one by one. Thus, in each two adjacent battery cells 100, the positive electrode tab 102 of one battery cell 100 and the negative electrode tab 104 of the other battery cell 100 are adjacent in the vertical direction.

The positive electrode tabs 102 and negative electrode tabs 104 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected to the sub-board 70 . As described above, the sub-board 70 is provided with a plurality of tab connection holes 78 . One corresponding positive electrode tab 102 or negative electrode tab 104 of the plurality of battery cells 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of tab connection holes 78 . Each of the positive electrode tabs 102 and the negative electrode tabs 104 inserted into the plurality of tab connection holes 78 is bonded to the front surface 70 b of the sub-board 70 . Specifically, each of the positive electrode tab 102 and the negative electrode tab 104 is joined to the first conductor line 72 or the second conductor line 74 provided on the front surface 70 b of the sub-board 70 . The frame 50 goes around the plurality of battery cells 100 along the sub-board 70 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the semifinished product 30A is arranged so that the area surrounded by the frame 50 is located above the sub-board 70. Then, as shown in FIG. Then, the area surrounded by the frame 50 is filled with a fluid material 91 . This material 91 is a material that constitutes the sealing material 90, and may be, for example, a potting material before curing or a photocurable material. After that, by curing the fluid material 91 , the sealing material 90 that encapsulates the positive electrode tabs 102 and the negative electrode tabs 104 extending from the plurality of battery cells 100 to the sub-board 70 is formed. By using the frame 50 and the sub-substrate 70 as a mold in this way, the sealing material 90 can be easily molded.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the cell unit 30 is completed by assembling the cell holder 40 and the main board 60 to the semi-finished product 30A. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the cell unit 30 is accommodated in the housing 12 together with the cushioning member 28 . Thereby, the battery pack 10 is completed.

In the battery pack 10 of this embodiment, the first conductor lines 72, the second conductor lines 74, and the third conductor lines 76 of the sub-board 70 are formed on the surface of the sub-board 70 by a conductor film (specifically, a copper film). consists of However, the first conductor line 72, the second conductor line 74 and the third conductor line 76 may be composed of other conductor members such as conductor plates or conductor cables. As an example, FIG. 18 shows a modified sub-board 170 . In this sub-board 170 , at least a part of the third conductor lines 76 is composed of a conductor plate attached to the sub-board 170 . This type of conductor plate is also called a busbar and has a larger cross-sectional area than the conductor film. Thus, by forming at least part of the first conductor lines 72, the second conductor lines 74, and the third conductor lines 76 with a conductor plate such as a bus bar, the electrical resistance in the sub-board 170 can be reduced.

Preferred embodiments of battery packs for power tools are listed below, which can be grasped from the battery pack 10 of the embodiment described above.

[Embodiment 1-1]
a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
a main substrate arranged in the first direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and having a power port for electrically connecting to an external device;
a sub-board arranged in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and connected to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells;
a connection member that electrically connects the sub-board and the main board;
A battery pack with a
[Embodiment 1-2]
The battery pack according to Embodiment 1-1, wherein the connection member includes at least one lead plate.
[Embodiment 1-3]
the main board intersects a straight line extending in the first direction from the sub-board;
The battery pack according to embodiment 1-2, wherein the lead plate extends parallel to the first direction between the sub-board and the main board.
[Embodiment 1-4]
the main board does not intersect a straight line extending in the first direction from the sub-board;
The battery pack according to Embodiment 1-2, wherein the lead plate extends between the sub-board and the main board at an angle to the first direction.
[Embodiment 1-5]
The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 1-1 to 4, further comprising a cell holder that holds the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 1-6]
The cell holder has an inner surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to Embodiment 1-5, wherein the inner surface of the cell holder is provided with a plurality of ribs respectively supporting the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 1-7]
The battery pack according to Embodiment 1-6, wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned in a direction opposite to the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 1-8]
a housing that accommodates the cell holder;
The battery pack according to embodiment 1-6 or 7, further comprising a buffer member arranged between the cell holder and the housing.
[Embodiment 1-9]
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 1-5 to 8, wherein the main board is attached to the cell holder.
[Embodiment 1-10]
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 1-5 through 9, wherein the sub-board is attached to the cell holder.
[Embodiment 1-11]
The sub-substrate is attached to the cell holder via a frame,
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein the frame covers at least part of the periphery of the sub-board.
[Embodiment 1-12]
The frame has an inner surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to Embodiment 1-11, wherein the inner surface of the frame is provided with a plurality of ribs respectively supporting the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 1-13]
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the frame is detachably attached to the cell holder.
[Embodiment 1-14]
The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 1-1 to 13, wherein the sub-board has a circuit that electrically connects the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 1-15]
15. The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 1-1 through 14, wherein the circuit connects the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in series.
[Embodiment 1-16]
The plurality of pouch-type battery cells are stacked one by one with the front and back reversed,
An embodiment, in each of two adjacent pouch-shaped battery cells, the positive electrode tab of one pouch-shaped battery cell and the negative electrode tab of the other pouch-shaped battery cell are adjacent along the first direction. The battery pack according to 1-15.
[Embodiment 1-17]
The circuit of the sub-board has a first conductor line intermittently extending along the first direction and a second conductor line intermittently extending in parallel with the first conductor line,
In each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, one of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab is connected to the first conductor line, and the other of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab is connected to the second conductor. The battery pack of embodiments 1-16, connected to a line.
[Embodiment 1-18]
the circuit of the sub-board further comprising a third conductor line extending along the first direction between the first conductor line and the second conductor line;
The battery pack according to embodiment 1-17, wherein one of the first conductor line and the second conductor line is connected to the connecting member via the third conductor line.
[Embodiment 1-19]
The battery pack according to embodiment 1-14, wherein the third conductor line electrically connects between the negative electrode tab of the pouch-type battery cell located farthest from the main substrate and the connecting member.
[Embodiment 1-20]
20. The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 1-1 to 19, wherein the power port has a contact-type external connection terminal made of a conductor.

[Embodiment 2-1]
a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
a substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and to which the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are connected;
a frame to which the substrate is attached and which circulates around the plurality of pouch-type battery cells along the substrate;
a sealing material filled in the area surrounded by the frame and enclosing the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab extending from the plurality of pouch-type battery cells to the substrate;
a housing containing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate and the frame;
A battery pack with a
[Embodiment 2-2]
The battery pack according to Embodiment 2-1, wherein the sealing material is made of a potting material or a photocurable material.
[Embodiment 2-3]
The battery pack according to Embodiment 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the frame has a frame surface in contact with the substrate along the periphery of the substrate.
[Embodiment 2-4]
The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 2-1 to 3, wherein a sheet material that is more flexible than the frame and the substrate is interposed between the frame surface of the frame and the substrate. .
[Embodiment 2-5]
The frame has an inner surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 2-1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the frame is provided with a plurality of ribs that respectively support the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 2-6]
A battery pack as in embodiments 2-5, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is spaced apart from the substrate.
[Embodiment 2-7]
The battery pack according to embodiment 2-5 or 6, wherein each of the plurality of ribs has a notch located inside the encapsulant.
[Embodiment 2-8]
the frame has a protrusion between each two adjacent ones of the plurality of ribs;
8. The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 2-5 to 7, wherein the projecting portion supports a corresponding one of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells from the second direction.
[Embodiment 2-9]
The substrate has a plurality of tab connection holes,
9. Any one of Embodiments 2-1 to 8, wherein one of the positive electrode tabs or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells is inserted into each of the plurality of tab connection holes. battery pack described in .
[Embodiment 2-10]
The substrate has a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface,
The battery pack of embodiment 2-10, wherein each of the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are bonded to the substrate at the second surface.
[Embodiment 2-11]
The battery pack of embodiment 2-10, wherein on the second side of the substrate, the positive tabs and the negative tabs of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are covered with an adhesive.
[Embodiment 2-12]
Further comprising a cell holder positioned inside the housing and holding the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 2-1 to 11, wherein the frame is attached to the cell holder.
[Embodiment 2-13]
A method for manufacturing a battery cell,
a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells. A substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to and to which the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are connected, and the substrate is attached, along the substrate a step of preparing a semi-finished product having a frame that circles around the plurality of pouch-type battery cells;
arranging the semifinished product so that the area surrounded by the frame is positioned above the substrate, and filling the area surrounded by the frame with a fluid material;
curing the material to form an encapsulant encapsulating the positive tab and the negative tab extending from the plurality of pouch-type battery cells to the substrate;
housing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate and the frame together with the sealing body in a housing;
A battery pack with a
[Embodiment 2-14]
The step of preparing the semi-finished product includes inserting the corresponding one of the positive electrode tabs or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells into each of the plurality of tab connection holes provided in the substrate. The method of manufacture of embodiments 2-13, comprising
[Embodiment 2-15]
The substrate has a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface,
The step of preparing the semi-finished product further includes bonding each of the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells inserted into the plurality of tab connection holes to the second surface, A method of manufacture according to embodiments 2-14.

[Embodiment 3-1]
a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction;
an internal housing containing the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and having an internal air inlet and an internal air outlet;
a housing containing the inner housing and having an inlet and an outlet;
with
the internal intake port is positioned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the internal exhaust port;
The intake port is positioned in the second direction relative to the exhaust port,
battery pack.
[Embodiment 3-2]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-1, wherein the internal vent is substantially airtightly connected to or disposed within the vent.
[Embodiment 3-3]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-2, wherein the internal exhaust port and the exhaust port are located in a direction opposite to the second direction from the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 3-4]
The battery pack according to Embodiment 3-2 or 3, wherein the air intake is located in the second direction with respect to the internal air intake.
[Embodiment 3-5]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-4, wherein the air inlet is located in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 3-6]
The inner housing has an inner side wall facing the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction,
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 3-2 to 5, wherein the internal air inlet is provided in the internal side wall.
[Embodiment 3-7]
The internal air inlet has a plurality of through holes provided in the internal side wall,
The battery pack according to Embodiment 3-6, wherein the plurality of through holes are arranged along the first direction, and each through hole is an elongated hole extending along the second direction.
[Embodiment 3-8]
At least one of the inner side wall of the inner housing and the side wall of the housing facing the inner side wall is provided with a flow guide wall protruding toward the other thereof,
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-6 or 7, wherein the internal air intake is located in the second direction relative to the flow guide wall.
[Embodiment 3-9]
The inner housing comprises a cell holder that holds the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells, and at least one substrate attached to the cell holder,
The battery pack according to any one of embodiments 3-1 to 8, wherein the at least one substrate has circuitry electrically connected to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 3-10]
the at least one substrate includes a main substrate;
The battery pack according to Embodiment 3-9, wherein the main board is positioned in the first direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and has a power port for electrical connection with an external device. .
[Embodiment 3-11]
the at least one substrate includes a sub-substrate;
Embodiment 3- wherein the sub-board is positioned in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and is connected to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of each of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 11. The battery pack according to 9 or 10.
[Embodiment 3-12]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-11, wherein the air inlet is located in the second direction with respect to the sub-board.
[Embodiment 3-13]
The battery pack of embodiment 3-1, wherein the internal air inlet is substantially airtightly connected to or disposed within the air inlet.
[Embodiment 3-14]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-14, wherein the internal air inlet and the air inlet are located in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 3-15]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-13 or 14, wherein the air outlet is located in the second direction with respect to the internal air outlet.
[Embodiment 3-16]
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-15, wherein the air outlet is located in a direction opposite to the second direction from the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells.
[Embodiment 3-17]
The inner housing has an inner side wall facing the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction,
The battery pack as in any one of embodiments 3-13 through 3-16, wherein the internal exhaust port is provided in the internal side wall.
[Embodiment 3-18]
The internal exhaust port has a plurality of through holes provided in the internal side wall,
The battery pack according to embodiment 3-17, wherein the plurality of through holes are arranged along the first direction, and each through hole is an elongated hole extending along the second direction.
[Embodiment 3-19]
The battery pack according to any one of Embodiments 3-1 to 18, wherein at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet is connected to a blower provided in an external device.

10: Battery pack 12: Housing 14: Air inlet 16: Air outlet 26: Power port 28: Buffer member 30: Cell unit 32: Internal housing 34: Internal air inlet 36: Internal air outlet 38: Flow guide wall 40: Cell holder 50 : Frame 54: Frame rib 55: Frame projection 56: Frame surface 58: Frame rim 60: Main substrates 70, 170: Sub substrate 72: First conductor line 74: Second conductor line 76: Second conductor line 3 conductor line 78: tab connection hole 80: connection member 80x: positive electrode lead plate 80y: negative electrode lead plate 90: sealing material 92: adhesive

Claims (15)

a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
a substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells and to which the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are connected;
a frame to which the substrate is attached and which circulates around the plurality of pouch-type battery cells along the substrate;
a sealing material filled in the area surrounded by the frame and enclosing the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab extending from the plurality of pouch-type battery cells to the substrate;
a housing containing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate and the frame;
A battery pack with a 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein said sealing material is made of a potting material or a photocurable material. 3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein said frame has a frame surface in contact with said substrate along the periphery of said substrate. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sheet material more flexible than said frame and said substrate is interposed between said frame surface of said frame and said substrate. The frame has an inner surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the frame is provided with a plurality of ribs that respectively support the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells. 6. The battery pack of claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of ribs is spaced apart from said substrate. 7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of ribs has a notch located inside said sealing material. the frame has a protrusion between each two adjacent ones of the plurality of ribs;
The battery pack according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the projecting portion supports a corresponding one of the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells from the second direction. The substrate has a plurality of tab connection holes,
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the positive electrode tabs or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells is inserted into each of the plurality of tab connection holes. battery pack. The substrate has a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface,
10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein each of said positive electrode tabs and said negative electrode tabs of said plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells is joined to said substrate at said second surface. 11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein on said second surface of said substrate, said positive electrode tabs and said negative electrode tabs of said plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells are covered with an adhesive. Further comprising a cell holder positioned inside the housing and holding the plurality of pouch-type battery cells,
The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said frame is attached to said cell holder. A method for manufacturing a battery pack,
a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked along a first direction and each having a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab projecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells. A substrate arranged in the second direction with respect to and to which the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are connected, and the substrate is attached, along the substrate a step of preparing a semi-finished product having a frame that circles around the plurality of pouch-type battery cells;
arranging the semifinished product so that the area surrounded by the frame is positioned above the substrate, and filling the area surrounded by the frame with a fluid material;
curing the material to form an encapsulant encapsulating the positive tab and the negative tab extending from the plurality of pouch-type battery cells to the substrate;
housing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the substrate and the frame together with the sealing body in a housing;
A manufacturing method comprising: The step of preparing the semi-finished product includes inserting the corresponding one of the positive electrode tabs or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells into each of the plurality of tab connection holes provided in the substrate. 14. The manufacturing method of claim 13, comprising: The substrate has a first surface facing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface,
The step of preparing the semi-finished product further includes bonding each of the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells inserted into the plurality of tab connection holes to the second surface, 15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14.

Images