JP3092923B2 - Connection structure between batteries, method thereof, battery, battery module, and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Connection structure between batteries, method thereof, battery, battery module, and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number
JP3092923B2
JP3092923B2 JP11242595A JP24259599A JP3092923B2 JP 3092923 B2 JP3092923 B2 JP 3092923B2 JP 11242595 A JP11242595 A JP 11242595A JP 24259599 A JP24259599 A JP 24259599A JP 3092923 B2 JP3092923 B2 JP 3092923B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
battery
electrode
welding
connection
batteries
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP11242595A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2000149907A (en
Inventor
三郎 中塚
瑞夫 岩崎
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Corp
Panasonic Holdings Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corp
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Corp, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd filed Critical Panasonic Corp
Priority to JP11242595A priority Critical patent/JP3092923B2/en
Publication of JP2000149907A publication Critical patent/JP2000149907A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3092923B2 publication Critical patent/JP3092923B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H01M50/503Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the interconnectors
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H01M50/509Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the type of connection, e.g. mixed connections
    • H01M50/51Connection only in series
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H01M50/514Methods for interconnecting adjacent batteries or cells
    • H01M50/516Methods for interconnecting adjacent batteries or cells by welding, soldering or brazing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H01M50/521Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the material
    • H01M50/522Inorganic material
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10Energy storage using batteries

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【0001】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、主として複数の単
電池を直列接続して所要の出力電圧を得る蓄電池モジュ
ールを形成する電池間接続構造、その方法、電池、電池
モジュール、その製造方法に関するものである。
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inter-battery connection structure for forming a storage battery module for obtaining a required output voltage by connecting a plurality of cells in series, a method thereof, a battery, a battery module, and a method of manufacturing the same. It is.

【0002】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来から、複数個の単電池を直列接続し
て所要の出力電圧を得る蓄電池モジュールを形成するに
際しては、単電池間を接続するための接続体が用いられ
ている。すなわち、一般的な電池は、一端面を除く全体
を外装する金属製の電池ケースがマイナス電極を兼ね、
電池ケースの一端側の開口部が、プラス電極となる金属
製の電極板を含む封口体により閉塞された構造になって
おり、隣接して接続すべき各2個の単電池のうちの一方
の単電池の電極板と他方の単電池の電池ケースとを単一
の接続体の各所要箇所に電気的に接続することにより、
2個の電池間の直列接続がなされる。ここで、接続体と
2個の電池各々の所要箇所とは、スポット溶接すること
によって、電気的に直列接続されるとともに、機械的に
連結されている。
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a plurality of cells are connected in series to form a storage battery module that obtains a required output voltage, a connecting body for connecting the cells is used. In other words, in a general battery, a metal battery case that covers the whole except for one end face also serves as a negative electrode,
The opening at one end of the battery case has a structure in which the opening is closed by a sealing body including a metal electrode plate serving as a positive electrode, and one of the two unit cells to be connected adjacently is connected. By electrically connecting the electrode plate of the unit cell and the battery case of the other unit cell to each required part of a single connector,
A series connection between the two batteries is made. Here, the connection body and required portions of each of the two batteries are electrically connected in series and mechanically connected by spot welding.

【0003】ところで、通常のスポット溶接は、溶接す
る部分を2つの溶接電極間で挟圧して溶接電流を流すこ
とにより、挟圧間が溶融して溶接されるのであるが、上
述のスポット溶接に際しては、挟圧がないので、多くの
電流が接続体および電極板の表面電流として溶接電極間
に流れるため、接続体として厚い材厚のものや、比抵抗
の小さいものを使用したとき、溶接が困難になる問題が
ある。すなわち、従来の電池間接続構造では、接続体と
して、材厚の大きい材料や比抵抗の小さい材料を使用で
きないため、単電池間の電気的接続の電気抵抗が大き
く、比較的大きな電流が流れる電池間接続での損失が大
きくなり、さらに、接続体の機械的強度も低いことか
ら、電池間の機械的連結の強度も低くなる。
[0003] In normal spot welding, a portion to be welded is sandwiched between two welding electrodes and a welding current is applied, so that the portion between the clamping pressures is melted and welded. Since there is no pinching pressure, a large amount of current flows between the welding electrodes as the surface current of the connection body and the electrode plate. There are problems that can be difficult. That is, in the conventional connection structure between batteries, a material having a large material thickness or a material having a small specific resistance cannot be used as a connection body. Since the loss in the connection increases and the mechanical strength of the connection body is low, the strength of the mechanical connection between the batteries also decreases.

【0004】そこで、本件出願人は、接続体構成の改良
と溶接方法の改良とにより、接続抵抗の低下と接続強度
の向上を図って従来構成の問題点を解消した電池間接続
構造を既に提案している(特開平10-106533 号公報参
照)。この電池間接続構造は図5の縦断面図に示すよう
な構成になっている。接続体1は、一方の電池B1のプ
ラス電極である電極板2に当接する平坦な底板部3と、
他方の電池B2のマイナス電極を兼ねる電池ケース4に
嵌合する筒状部7とを有している。筒状部7と底板部3
とには、それぞれ同一円上に複数のプロジェクション溶
接用突起8、9が形成されている。同図は溶接前の状態
を示したものであり、接続体1と一方の電池B1の電極
板2とは突起9を介してプロジェクション溶接すること
によって互いに溶着し、接続体1と他方の電池B2の電
池ケース4とは突起8を介してプロジェクション溶接す
ることによって互いに溶着する。
Accordingly, the present applicant has already proposed a connection structure between batteries in which the connection structure is improved and the welding method is improved to reduce the connection resistance and improve the connection strength, thereby solving the problems of the conventional structure. (See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-106533). This inter-battery connection structure has a configuration as shown in the vertical sectional view of FIG. The connection body 1 includes a flat bottom plate portion 3 that contacts an electrode plate 2 that is a positive electrode of one battery B1;
And a cylindrical portion 7 fitted into a battery case 4 also serving as a negative electrode of the other battery B2. Cylindrical part 7 and bottom plate part 3
Are formed with a plurality of projection welding projections 8 and 9 on the same circle. This figure shows a state before welding. The connection body 1 and the electrode plate 2 of one battery B1 are welded to each other by projection welding via a projection 9, and the connection body 1 and the other battery B2 are welded. And the battery case 4 is welded to each other by projection welding via the projection 8.

【0005】[0005]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記プロジェクション
溶接は、接続すべき2つの部材を突起8、9による小さ
な接触面積で接触させて、その接触面積が小さいことに
よって最も抵抗値が大きくなる突起8、9の接触箇所に
電流を局部的に集中させて発熱させ、発熱による溶融に
よって溶接を行うものであり、スポット溶接程の大きな
挟圧を必要としない。上記の電池間接続構造は、接続体
1を上述のようなプロジェクション溶接により隣接する
2個の電池B1、B2の所要箇所に溶着するので、接続
体1として構成する材料の材厚や比抵抗に左右されるこ
とが少ない上に、溶接強度も向上させることができる。
さらに、電極板2と電池ケース4との溶接位置は同一円
上の複数箇所であるため、接続による電流経路は最短距
離となることから、接続抵抗の小さい電気的接続と機械
的強度の高い連結とを得ることができる。
In the projection welding, the two members to be connected are brought into contact with each other with a small contact area formed by the projections 8 and 9, and the projection 8 or 9 having the largest resistance value due to the small contact area. The current is locally concentrated at the contact point 9 to generate heat, and welding is performed by melting due to the heat generation, and does not require as much clamping pressure as spot welding. In the above connection structure between batteries, the connection body 1 is welded to required portions of two adjacent batteries B1 and B2 by the above-described projection welding, so that the material thickness and the specific resistance of the material constituting the connection body 1 are reduced. In addition to being less influenced, the welding strength can be improved.
Further, since the welding positions of the electrode plate 2 and the battery case 4 are at a plurality of positions on the same circle, the current path by connection is the shortest distance, so that the electrical connection with low connection resistance and the connection with high mechanical strength are provided. And can be obtained.

【0006】しかしながら、上記の電池間接続構造は、
上述のような顕著な効果を得られるものであるが、実用
化に際して、さらなる改良を必要とする問題が残存して
いる。すなわち、隣接する2個の電池B1、B2を接続
するに際して、接続体1の底板部3を一方の電池B1の
電極板2にプロジェクション溶接したのちに、接続体1
の筒状部7を他方の電池B2の電池ケース4にプロジェ
クション溶接するので、溶接が2工程となる。
[0006] However, the above connection structure between batteries is
Although the remarkable effects as described above can be obtained, there still remains a problem that requires further improvement in practical use. That is, when two adjacent batteries B1 and B2 are connected, the bottom plate 3 of the connection body 1 is projection-welded to the electrode plate 2 of one of the batteries B1, and then the connection body 1 is connected.
Is welded to the battery case 4 of the other battery B2 by projection welding, so that welding is performed in two steps.

【0007】また、電池の接続数が多くなるのに伴って
接続体1の数が多くなり、しかも、接続体1は、ガスケ
ット10を回避して電池ケース4の外方に導出するため
に、深さが2段階となった円形の皿形状になっていると
ともに、キャップ状正極端子11を回避するための開口
部12を中央部に設け、さらに、図示していないが、筒
状部7に電池ケース4を嵌合させたときに電池ケースを
加圧する弾力性を付与するために筒状部7に形成された
切り割りや、プロジェクション溶接時に無効電流を防ぐ
ために底板部3に形成された切り込み等を有する比較的
複雑な形状になっている。このように、上記の電池間接
続構造は、溶接工程が多いことと、複雑な形状を有して
さほど安価にならない接続体1などの部品点数が多いこ
ととにより、コスト高になっている。
In addition, as the number of connected batteries increases, the number of connecting bodies 1 increases, and the connecting bodies 1 are led out of the battery case 4 to avoid the gasket 10. It has a circular dish shape with two levels of depth, and an opening 12 for avoiding the cap-like positive electrode terminal 11 is provided at the center portion. A cut formed in the tubular portion 7 to provide elasticity to press the battery case when the battery case 4 is fitted, a cut formed in the bottom plate portion 3 to prevent a reactive current during projection welding, and the like. Has a relatively complicated shape. As described above, the above-described inter-battery connection structure has a high cost due to the large number of components such as the connecting body 1 which has a complicated shape and is not so inexpensive because of a large number of welding steps.

【0008】さらに、接続体1の筒状部7が電池ケース
4の外側に配置されるため、複数の電池を接続した蓄電
池モジュールは、隣接する電池間の接続箇所の外径寸法
が拡大するので、蓄電池モジュールを収容するための外
装チューブの寸法精度が問題となる。さらに、隣接する
電池間には、接続体1を介した経路を通って電流が流れ
るので、電流経路が長くなる分だけ電気抵抗が大きくな
る。
Further, since the cylindrical portion 7 of the connecting body 1 is disposed outside the battery case 4, the outer diameter of the connecting portion between the adjacent batteries of the storage battery module in which a plurality of batteries are connected is enlarged. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the outer tube for accommodating the storage battery module becomes a problem. Furthermore, since current flows between adjacent batteries through a path via the connection body 1, electric resistance increases as the current path increases.

【0009】そこで本発明は、上記従来の課題に鑑みて
なされたもので、その目的とするところは、コストを低
減するとともに、各電池の電池ケースから出っ張り部分
を無くし、さらに、電気抵抗を低減した接続を得られる
電池間接続構造及び方法を提供することにある。
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to reduce the cost, eliminate the protruding portion of each battery from the battery case, and further reduce the electric resistance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery connection structure and a method for obtaining an improved connection.

【0010】[0010]

【課題を解決するための手段、作用効果】上記目的を達
成するために、本発明は、一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状
の電池ケースと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの
開口部を閉塞する封口体とを有する電池を複数個備え、
これら電池を同芯上に直列に配置して、隣接する各2個
の電池間を溶接により互いに電気的接続状態に連結する
電池間接続構造において、前記封口体に、電池軸方向外
方に突出する接続電極部が形成され、隣接する各2個の
うちの一方の電池の前記接続電極部を、これに設けた複
数個のプロジェクション溶接用突起を介して他方の電池
の前記電池ケースの他端底面にプロジェクション溶接に
より直接連結して、複数の電池間を直列接続した構成と
なり、かつ封口体は、電極板の中央部に設けた弁体収納
凹所に弁体が収納され、前記弁体収納凹所がこれの上端
周囲に溶着された弁体保持板により閉塞され、前記電極
板における外周に沿った箇所に電池軸方向外方に突出す
るリング状の接続電極部が形成され、この接続電極部の
複数箇所にプロジェクション溶接用突起が形成されてい
る構成となっている。
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode, and an opening in the battery case serving also as the other electrode. A plurality of batteries having a sealing body for closing the
In an inter-battery connection structure in which these batteries are arranged in series on the same core and two adjacent batteries are electrically connected to each other by welding, the sealing member protrudes outward in the battery axial direction. Connecting electrode portion of one of the two adjacent batteries is connected to the other end of the battery case of the other battery via a plurality of projection welding projections provided on the connecting electrode portion. A plurality of batteries are directly connected to the bottom surface by projection welding to form a configuration in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series, and the sealing body is housed in a valve body housing recess provided in the center of the electrode plate. The recess is closed by a valve body holding plate welded around the upper end thereof, and a ring-shaped connection electrode portion is formed at a position along the outer periphery of the electrode plate so as to protrude outward in the battery axial direction. Project in multiple locations It has a structure in which transfection welding projections is formed.

【0011】この電池間接続構造では、直列配置された
複数個のうちの隣接する各2個の電池を接続するに際し
て、1回のプロジェクション溶接により、一方の電池の
接続電極部と他方の電池の電池ケースとを、従来の接続
体を介在させずに直接的に接続できるから、溶接工程の
削減と接続体などの部品点数の低減とにより、相当のコ
ストダウンを達成できる。また、隣接する各2個の電池
間は、電池ケースの外周近傍において連結されるので、
電池間の曲げ強度が向上して安定性のよい連結状態とな
り、連結の機械的強度を十分に確保できる。さらに、所
要個数の電池を連結して形成した蓄電池モジュールは、
従来の接続体のように電池ケースの外側に出っ張るもの
が一切無いので、単なる円筒状の外装チューブに高精度
に収納することができる。さらにまた、電池間の電流経
路は、一方の電池における他方の電極を兼ねる接続電極
部と他方の電池における一方の電極を兼ねる電池ケース
とを通る最短経路となり、電流経路が短い分だけ電気抵
抗が低減する。
In this battery connection structure, when connecting two adjacent batteries among a plurality of batteries arranged in series, the connection electrode portion of one battery is connected to the connection electrode portion of the other battery by one projection welding. Since the battery case can be directly connected without a conventional connecting body, a considerable cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the welding process and the number of parts such as the connecting body. In addition, since each two adjacent batteries are connected near the outer periphery of the battery case,
The bending strength between the batteries is improved, and a stable connection state is obtained, so that the mechanical strength of the connection can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, the storage battery module formed by connecting the required number of batteries,
Since there is nothing protruding outside the battery case unlike the conventional connection body, it can be stored in a simple cylindrical outer tube with high accuracy. Furthermore, the current path between the batteries is the shortest path passing through the connection electrode part also serving as the other electrode in one battery and the battery case also serving as one electrode in the other battery, and the electrical resistance is reduced by the short current path. Reduce.

【0012】さらに、従来の封口体においてキャップ状
正極端子の形状によって決定されていた弁体収納空間の
寸法精度を電極板における弁体収納凹所の形状により得
ることができる。また、プロジェクション溶接用突起
は、電池軸方向外方に突出した接続電極部における同一
円上に複数個設けるので、弁体収納空間に左右されずに
自由に高さを設定できるとともに、接続電極部が電池ケ
ースの外周部に沿ったリング状になっているから、電池
間が一層安定に連結されて曲げ強度がさらに向上する。
Further, the dimensional accuracy of the valve housing space determined by the shape of the cap-like positive electrode terminal in the conventional sealing body can be obtained by the shape of the valve housing recess in the electrode plate. In addition, since a plurality of projection welding projections are provided on the same circle in the connection electrode portion protruding outward in the battery axial direction, the height can be freely set without being affected by the valve body storage space, and the connection electrode portion can be set. Is formed in a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of the battery case, so that the batteries are connected more stably and the bending strength is further improved.

【0013】上記目的を達成するために、本発明の電池
間接続方法は、一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する封口体とを有する電池を同芯上に直列に配置し
て、隣接する電池間を溶接により互いに電気的接続状態
に連結する電池間接続方法において、前記封口体に、電
池軸方向外方に突出する接続電極部を形成すると共に、
この接続電極部に複数個のプロジェクション溶接用突起
を設け、一方の電池のプロジェクション溶接用突起を他
方の電池の電池ケース底面に接触させた状態で、一方の
溶接電極を一方の電池の接続電極部の側周面に当接し、
他方の溶接電極を他方の電池の電池ケースの側周面に当
接して、両溶接電極間に電圧を印加することによりプロ
ジェクション溶接を行って、電池間接続を行う電池間接
続方法であって、前記封口体の電極板における外周に沿
った箇所には電池軸方向外方に突出するリング状の接続
電極部が形成され、この接続電極部の複数箇所にプロジ
ェクション溶接用突起を形成して構成されていることを
ことを特徴とする。
[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a method for connecting batteries between batteries according to the present invention comprises a closed-end tubular battery case also serving as one electrode, and a sealing member for closing the opening of the battery case also serving as the other electrode. In a battery connection method in which batteries having a body and a battery are disposed in series on the same core and adjacent batteries are connected to each other in an electrically connected state by welding, the battery protrudes outward in the battery axial direction from the sealing body. While forming the connection electrode part,
A plurality of projection welding projections are provided on this connection electrode portion, and one projection electrode is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery, and one welding electrode is connected to the connection electrode portion of one battery. Abuts the side peripheral surface of
A battery connection method in which the other welding electrode is brought into contact with the side peripheral surface of the battery case of the other battery, projection welding is performed by applying a voltage between the two welding electrodes, and connection between batteries is performed. A ring-shaped connection electrode portion projecting outward in the battery axial direction is formed at a position along the outer periphery of the electrode plate of the sealing body, and projection welding projections are formed at a plurality of positions of the connection electrode portion. It is characterized by having.

【0014】上記の電池間接続方法において、一方の電
池の接続電極部の側周面に当接する溶接電極は、一方の
電池の頂部と他方の電池の底部との間に形成される隙間
に挿入しうる厚さの板状挿入部を有すると共に、その先
端辺には接続電極部の外形に沿った凹部が形成されてい
ることが好ましい。
In the above-described method for connecting batteries, the welding electrode in contact with the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode portion of one battery is inserted into a gap formed between the top of one battery and the bottom of the other battery. It is preferable to have a plate-shaped insertion portion with a thickness that is as large as possible, and to have a concave portion formed along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion at the tip side.

【0015】従来は、上記のような板状挿入部を有する
溶接電極が考案されていなかったため、前述したよう
に、まず接続体1の底板部3を一方の電池B1の電極板
2にプロジェクション溶接し、次いで電池B1、B2を
直列に密接させ溶接電極を接続体1の筒状部7に外側か
ら当接させて筒状部7を電池B2の電池ケース4にプロ
ジェクション溶接するというように、溶接を2工程とせ
ざるを得なかった。本発明によれば、溶接電極が、一方
の電池の頂部と他方の電池の底部との間に形成される狭
い隙間に挿入しうる厚さの板状挿入部を有していること
から、直列に配置した電池間に形成される隙間に溶接電
極を挿入することができ、一回のプロジェクション溶接
により一方の電池の接続電極部を他方の電池の電池ケー
ス底面に直接接続できるので、溶接工程の削減と接続体
などの部品点数の低減とによりコストを削減できる。さ
らに、溶接電極の板状挿入部先端辺には、接続電極部の
外形に沿った凹部が形成されているため、接続電極部の
外周にまんべんなく溶接電極が当接して、良好なプロジ
ェクション溶接を行うことができる。
Conventionally, a welding electrode having the above-mentioned plate-shaped insertion portion has not been devised. Therefore, as described above, first, the bottom plate portion 3 of the connection body 1 is projection-welded to the electrode plate 2 of one battery B1. Then, the batteries B1 and B2 are closely connected in series, the welding electrode is brought into contact with the tubular portion 7 of the connection body 1 from outside, and the tubular portion 7 is welded by projection to the battery case 4 of the battery B2. Had to be performed in two steps. According to the present invention, since the welding electrode has a plate-shaped insertion portion having a thickness that can be inserted into a narrow gap formed between the top of one battery and the bottom of the other battery, The welding electrodes can be inserted into the gaps formed between the batteries placed in the battery, and the connection electrode portion of one battery can be directly connected to the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery by one projection welding. The cost can be reduced by the reduction and the number of parts such as connecting bodies. Furthermore, since the concave portion along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion is formed at the tip side of the plate-shaped insertion portion of the welding electrode, the welding electrode evenly contacts the outer periphery of the connection electrode portion, thereby performing good projection welding. be able to.

【0016】また、溶接電極の板状挿入部の上下面に絶
縁層を設けることにより、2つの電池間の狭い隙間に挿
入される溶接電極が上下に近接して位置する電池ケース
に接触して短絡を起こす危険を確実に回避することがで
きる。
Further, by providing insulating layers on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped insertion portion of the welding electrode, the welding electrode inserted into the narrow gap between the two batteries comes into contact with the battery case positioned vertically close to each other. The danger of a short circuit can be reliably avoided.

【0017】なお、上記発明の電池間接続構造及び方法
においては、プロジェクション溶接用突起を一方の電池
の接続電極部に設けているが、これを他方の電池の電池
ケース底面側に設けても、同様の作用効果を得ることが
できる。
In the inter-battery connection structure and method of the present invention, the projection for projection welding is provided on the connection electrode portion of one of the batteries, but the projection may be provided on the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery. Similar functions and effects can be obtained.

【0018】[0018]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の好ましい実施の形
態について図面を参照しながら説明する。図1は本発明
の一実施の形態に係る電池間接続構造を示した縦断面図
であり、同図には、電池要素などの本発明に直接的に係
わりのない部材の図示を省略して、要部のみを図示して
ある。隣接して接続される2つの電池Ba1、Ba2
は、共に同一種類の同一規格ものであり、マイナス電極
を兼ねる電池ケース4は、円柱状の電池Ba1、Ba2
の一端面を除く全体を覆う有底円筒状になっている。こ
の電池ケース4の一端面は、ガスケット10、プラス電
極を兼ねる電極板14、ゴム弁体17および弁体保持板
18により構成された封口体13により閉塞されてい
る。
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a connection structure between batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, members not directly related to the present invention, such as battery elements, are not shown. Only the main parts are shown. Two batteries Ba1, Ba2 connected adjacently
Are of the same type and of the same standard, and the battery case 4 also serving as a negative electrode is formed of cylindrical batteries Ba1, Ba2.
It has a bottomed cylindrical shape that covers the entire surface except for one end face of. One end surface of the battery case 4 is closed by a gasket 10, an electrode plate 14 also serving as a positive electrode, a rubber valve body 17, and a sealing body 13 formed by a valve body holding plate 18.

【0019】図2は、上方の電池Ba2にプロジョクシ
ョン溶接する前の下方の電池Ba1を上方から見た平面
図である。平面視円形の金属製電極板14は、その周縁
部をガスケット10を介して電池ケース4に対し電気的
に絶縁されて、かしめ加工された電池ケース4の開口部
にガスケット10を介して固着されている。この電極板
14の中央部には、ゴム弁体17を収納するための空間
である円形皿状の弁体収納凹所19が形成されていると
ともに、その弁体収納凹所19の中央部にガス排出孔2
0が穿孔されている。弁体収納凹所19の上端周囲に
は、円板状の弁体保持板18を支持する環状の平坦支持
面21が設けられ、その平坦支持面21の外方側に、平
坦支持面21の上方に突出したリング状の接続電極部2
2が形成されている。
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lower battery Ba1 as viewed from above before being subjected to the projection welding to the upper battery Ba2. The metal electrode plate 14 having a circular shape in a plan view is electrically insulated from the periphery of the metal electrode plate 14 via the gasket 10 and is fixed to the caulked battery case 4 via the gasket 10. ing. In the center of the electrode plate 14, a circular dish-shaped valve body storage recess 19, which is a space for housing the rubber valve body 17, is formed, and in the center of the valve body storage recess 19. Gas outlet 2
0 is perforated. An annular flat support surface 21 for supporting the disc-shaped valve body holding plate 18 is provided around the upper end of the valve body storage recess 19, and the flat support surface 21 is provided outside the flat support surface 21. Ring-shaped connection electrode part 2 protruding upward
2 are formed.

【0020】ゴム弁体17は、弁体収納凹所19と平坦
支持面21に溶接された弁体保持板18とにより構成さ
れた弁体収納空間内に封入されて、ガス排出孔20を閉
塞している。このゴム弁体17は、電池内部のガス圧力
が異常に上昇して弁開放圧に達したときに、ガス排出孔
20を通じて作用するガス圧力を受けて弾性変形し、ガ
ス排出孔20を開放する。それにより、電池内部のガス
は、ガス排出孔20および弁体保持板18のガス放出孔
23を通じて電池外部に排出される。
The rubber valve element 17 is sealed in a valve element storage space defined by the valve element storage recess 19 and the valve element holding plate 18 welded to the flat support surface 21 to close the gas discharge hole 20. doing. When the gas pressure inside the battery rises abnormally and reaches the valve opening pressure, the rubber valve body 17 is elastically deformed by receiving the gas pressure acting through the gas discharge hole 20 to open the gas discharge hole 20. . Thereby, the gas inside the battery is discharged to the outside of the battery through the gas discharge holes 20 and the gas discharge holes 23 of the valve body holding plate 18.

【0021】図2に示すように、電極板14における接
続電極部22には、同一円上の等間隔の4箇所にプロジ
ェクション溶接用突起24がプレス成形等により形成さ
れている。図3は、2個の電池Ba1、Ba2をプロジ
ェクション溶接する前の状態を示す縦断面図であり、接
続すべき電池Ba1、Ba2を直列配置に重ねたとき
に、一方の電池Ba1の4個のプロジェクション溶接用
突起24が他方の電池Ba2の電池ケース4の底面に当
接する。この状態で、図3に2点鎖線で示すように、一
方の電池Ba1の電極板14と他方の電池Ba2の電池
ケース4とにそれぞれ溶接電極27、28を当接させて
プロジェクション溶接を行う。
As shown in FIG. 2, projections 24 for projection welding are formed on the connection electrode portion 22 of the electrode plate 14 at four equally spaced locations on the same circle by press molding or the like. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state before the two batteries Ba1 and Ba2 are subjected to projection welding. When the batteries Ba1 and Ba2 to be connected are stacked in series, four batteries Ba1 of one battery Ba1 are stacked. The projection 24 for projection welding contacts the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of the other battery Ba2. In this state, projection welding is performed by bringing the welding electrodes 27 and 28 into contact with the electrode plate 14 of one battery Ba1 and the battery case 4 of the other battery Ba2, respectively, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

【0022】図6は本発明の電池間接続方法を示す概念
図であり、図7、図8は電池Ba1の接続電極部22に
当接させる一方の溶接電極27を示す平面図・断面図で
ある。
FIG. 6 is a conceptual view showing a method for connecting batteries according to the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan and sectional views showing one welding electrode 27 to be brought into contact with the connecting electrode portion 22 of the battery Ba1. is there.

【0023】図6に示すように、2個の電池を直列に配
置し、図中矢印方向に加圧して一方の電池Ba1のプロ
ジェクション溶接用突起を他方の電池Ba2の電池ケー
ス4底面に接触させた状態で、プラス側溶接電極27を
電池Ba1の封口体13の接続電極部22側周面に当接
し、マイナス側溶接電極28を電池Ba2の電池ケース
4側周面に当接して、インバータ直流電源32より両溶
接電極間に例えば10000アンペアの電圧を10ms
印加することによりプロジェクション溶接を行って、電
池間接続を行う。
As shown in FIG. 6, two batteries are arranged in series and pressurized in the direction of the arrow in the figure to bring the projection for projection welding of one battery Ba1 into contact with the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of the other battery Ba2. In this state, the plus side welding electrode 27 abuts on the peripheral surface on the connection electrode portion 22 side of the sealing body 13 of the battery Ba1, and the minus side welding electrode 28 abuts on the peripheral surface on the battery case 4 side of the battery Ba2. A voltage of, for example, 10,000 amps is applied between both welding electrodes by the power supply 32 for 10 ms.
By applying the voltage, projection welding is performed to connect the batteries.

【0024】電池Ba1の接続電極部22の側周面に当
接する溶接電極27は、この電池の頂部と電池Ba2の
底部との間に形成される隙間に挿入しうる厚さ、例えば
約0.7mm及び幅約50mmの板状挿入部27aを有
すると共に、その先端辺には図7に示すように接続電極
部22の外形に沿った半円形状の凹部27bが形成され
ている。このように、直列に配置した電池間に形成され
る隙間に溶接電極を挿入して両溶接電極間に電圧を印加
し、一回のプロジェクション溶接により一方の電池の接
続電極部を他方の電池の電池ケース底面に直接接続でき
るので、溶接工程の削減と接続体などの部品点数の低減
とによりコストを削減できる。また、板状挿入部27a
の先端辺に接続電極部22の外形に沿った凹部27bが
形成されていることから、溶接電流が板状挿入部27a
を介して接続電極部22にまんべんなく流れ、良好なプ
ロジェクション溶接を行うことができる。
The welding electrode 27 abutting on the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode portion 22 of the battery Ba1 has a thickness that can be inserted into a gap formed between the top of the battery and the bottom of the battery Ba2, for example, about 0.1 mm. It has a plate-like insertion portion 27a of 7 mm and a width of about 50 mm, and a semicircular recess 27b along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion 22 is formed at the tip side thereof as shown in FIG. In this manner, the welding electrode is inserted into the gap formed between the batteries arranged in series, a voltage is applied between the two welding electrodes, and the connection electrode portion of one battery is connected to the other battery by one projection welding. Since it can be directly connected to the bottom of the battery case, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of welding processes and the number of components such as connectors. Further, the plate-like insertion portion 27a
Is formed at the tip side of the connection electrode portion 22 along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion 22, so that the welding current is reduced by the plate-shaped insertion portion 27a.
Through the connection electrode portion 22, and good projection welding can be performed.

【0025】さらに、図8に示すように溶接電極27の
板状挿入部27aには、その上下面にフロン系樹脂コー
ティング等により絶縁シート34が設けられており、2
つの電池間の狭い隙間に挿入される溶接電極が上下に近
接して位置する電池ケースに接触して短絡を起こすよう
なことを防いでいる。このような絶縁シートは板状挿入
部27aの上面または下面のいずれか一方に設けてもよ
いが、上述のように溶接電極が何れか一方の電池の部位
に接触して短絡する危険を防ぐ意味では、上下両面とも
に設けるのがより望ましい。絶縁シート34にはフロン
系樹脂の他、様々な絶縁性樹脂を用いることができる
が、滑り性の良さ、汚れの付着し難さ等の観点からフロ
ン系樹脂が好適である。
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, an insulating sheet 34 is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like insertion portion 27a of the welding electrode 27 by a fluorocarbon resin coating or the like.
This prevents a welding electrode inserted into a narrow gap between the two batteries from contacting a battery case positioned vertically close to the battery case to cause a short circuit. Such an insulating sheet may be provided on either the upper surface or the lower surface of the plate-shaped insertion portion 27a. However, as described above, it is necessary to prevent a danger of the welding electrode contacting one of the battery parts and causing a short circuit. Then, it is more desirable to provide both upper and lower surfaces. Various insulating resins can be used for the insulating sheet 34 in addition to the CFC-based resin, but the CFC-based resin is preferable from the viewpoints of good slipperiness, difficulty in attaching dirt, and the like.

【0026】上記構成により、溶接電流は、接触面積が
小さいことから接触抵抗が極めて小さい突起24と電池
ケース4との接触部分に局部的に集中して流れ、それに
よる発熱によって突起24が溶融して、図1に示すよう
に、一方の電池Ba1の電極板14における接続電極部
22全体が他方の電池Ba2の電池ケース4の底面に密
着した状態でナゲット26部分で互いに溶着され、2個
の電池Ba1、Ba2が直列接続されたことになる。こ
のような電池間接続を所望の出力電圧が得られる数に連
結して、例えば、図4に示すように6個の電池Ba1〜
Ba6を連結して、蓄電池モジュール30を構成するこ
とができる。ここで、上端部の電池Ba6としては通常
の電池を用いることができる。
With the above structure, the welding current locally concentrates on the contact portion between the projection 24 and the battery case 4 having a very small contact resistance because the contact area is small, and the projection 24 is melted by the heat generated thereby. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire connection electrode portion 22 of the electrode plate 14 of one battery Ba1 is welded to each other at a nugget 26 portion in a state of being in close contact with the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of the other battery Ba2. This means that the batteries Ba1 and Ba2 are connected in series. Such inter-battery connections are linked to a number that provides a desired output voltage, for example, as shown in FIG.
The storage battery module 30 can be configured by connecting Ba6. Here, a normal battery can be used as the battery Ba6 at the upper end.

【0027】なお、弁体保持板18は、上記2個の電池
Ba1、Ba2間の接続に先立って電極板14の平坦支
持面21に溶接される。すなわち、弁体保持板18は、
図2に2点鎖線で示すように電極板14における平坦支
持面21の同一円上の3箇所に設けられたプロジェクシ
ョン溶接用突起29に当接させた状態でプロジョクショ
ン溶接されることにより、平坦支持面21に密着状態に
溶着される。この溶接工程は、図5に示した従来の電池
間接続構造におけるキャップ状正極端子11を電極板2
にプロジェクション溶接する工程と同等である。
The valve body holding plate 18 is welded to the flat support surface 21 of the electrode plate 14 prior to the connection between the two batteries Ba1, Ba2. That is, the valve body holding plate 18 is
As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, projection welding is performed in a state where the projections 29 are in contact with projection welding projections 29 provided at three places on the same circle of the flat support surface 21 of the electrode plate 14. It is welded to the flat support surface 21 in close contact. In this welding step, the cap-shaped positive electrode terminal 11 in the conventional battery connection structure shown in FIG.
This is equivalent to the projection welding process.

【0028】したがって、従来の電池間接続構造では、
2個の電池B1、B2を接続するに際して2回の溶接工
程を必要とするのに対して、上記実施の形態の電池間接
続構造では、1回の溶接工程により、2個の電池Ba
1、Ba2の各々の電極板14と電池ケース4とを接続
体を介さずに直接的に接続できるから、溶接工程の削減
と接続体1などの部品点数の低減とにより、相当のコス
トダウンを達成できる。
Therefore, in the conventional connection structure between batteries,
While two welding steps are required to connect the two batteries B1 and B2, in the inter-battery connection structure of the above embodiment, two batteries Ba are formed by one welding step.
1, the electrode plate 14 of Ba2 and the battery case 4 can be directly connected without the intermediary of a connector, so that a considerable cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of welding steps and the number of components such as the connector 1. Can be achieved.

【0029】また、隣接する2個の電池Ba1、Ba2
間を連結するに際して、従来の接続体1を介在させない
が、一方の電池Ba1における電極板14の外周近傍に
沿って設けたリング状の接続電極部22を他方の電池B
a2の電池ケース4の底面部に溶接するので、外周近傍
箇所での連結により電池Ba1、Ba2間の曲げ強度が
向上して安定性のよい連結状態となり、連結の機械的強
度を十分に確保できる。さらに、図4に示したように、
所要個数の電池Ba1〜Ba6を連結して形成した蓄電
池モジュール30は、従来の接続体1のように電池ケー
ス4の外側に出っ張るものが一切無いので、単なる円筒
状の外装チューブに高精度に収納することができる。さ
らにまた、2個の電池Ba1、Ba2間の電流経路は、
電極板14と電池ケース4とを接続する最短経路とな
り、その分だけ電気抵抗が低減する。
Also, two adjacent batteries Ba1, Ba2
When the connection is made, the conventional connection body 1 is not interposed, but the ring-shaped connection electrode portion 22 provided along the vicinity of the outer periphery of the electrode plate 14 of one battery Ba1 is connected to the other battery B1.
Since the battery a4 is welded to the bottom surface of the battery case 4, the connection near the outer periphery enhances the bending strength between the batteries Ba1 and Ba2 to provide a stable connection state, thereby ensuring sufficient mechanical strength of the connection. . Further, as shown in FIG.
Since the storage battery module 30 formed by connecting the required number of batteries Ba1 to Ba6 does not protrude outside the battery case 4 unlike the conventional connector 1, it is stored in a simple cylindrical outer tube with high accuracy. can do. Furthermore, the current path between the two batteries Ba1 and Ba2 is:
This is the shortest path connecting the electrode plate 14 and the battery case 4, and the electrical resistance is reduced accordingly.

【0030】また、上記の実施の形態の封口体13の構
成では、従来の封口体においてキャップ状正極端子11
の形状によって決定されていたゴム弁体17の弁体収納
空間の寸法精度を、電極板14における弁体収納凹所1
9の形状により得ることができる。また、プロジェクシ
ョン溶接用突起24は、凹所19を施蓋するための弁体
保持板18を載置して溶接する平坦支持面21よりも上
方に突出した接続電極部22に設けるので、弁体収納空
間に左右されずに高さを自由に設定できる。
Further, in the configuration of the sealing body 13 of the above-described embodiment, the cap-shaped positive electrode terminal 11 in the conventional sealing body is used.
The dimensional accuracy of the valve body storage space of the rubber valve body 17 determined by the shape of the
9 can be obtained. In addition, the projection 24 for projection welding is provided on the connection electrode portion 22 protruding above the flat support surface 21 on which the valve body holding plate 18 for covering the recess 19 is placed and welded. The height can be set freely without being affected by the storage space.

【0031】なお、図5の電池間接続構造において、図
9に示す参考例のように、接続体1を削除して、電極板
2の上方に突出しているキャップ状正極端子11にプロ
ジェクション溶接用突起124を設け、正極端子11を
上方の電池B2の電池ケース4の底面部にプロジェクシ
ョン溶接して直接的に連結する構成も考えられる。この
構造と上記の実施の形態の構造とを比較してみると、正
極端子11は電極板2の中央部に位置しているので、電
池B1、B2間の曲げ強度が不十分となって連結の機械
的強度を確保できない。また、プロジェクション溶接に
際しては、溶接電極を、一方の電池B1の電極板2と他
方の電池の電池ケース4の底板部3との狭い空間内にお
いて、正極端子11に当接する略中央部近くまで挿入し
なければならず、溶接電極が何れか一方の電池B1また
はB2の部位に接触して短絡を起こす可能性がある。さ
らに、図9に示す電池間接続構造では、電流経路が、突
起124と上方の電池B2の底面との溶接点と、キャッ
プ状正極端子11と電極板2との溶接点の2ヶ所の溶接
点を通るため、ナゲット26部分のみを通る図1に示す
実施形態の構造に比べて電流経路が長い分だけ電気抵抗
が増し、多数の単電池の電池間接続での損失が大きくな
る。
In the inter-battery connection structure shown in FIG. 5, as in the reference example shown in FIG. 9, the connection body 1 is removed and the cap-shaped positive electrode terminal 11 projecting above the electrode plate 2 is used for projection welding. A configuration is also conceivable in which the projection 124 is provided and the positive electrode terminal 11 is directly connected to the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of the battery B2 by projection welding. Comparing this structure with the structure of the above-described embodiment, since the positive electrode terminal 11 is located at the center of the electrode plate 2, the bending strength between the batteries B1 and B2 becomes insufficient and the connection is made. Mechanical strength cannot be secured. In the projection welding, the welding electrode is inserted into a narrow space between the electrode plate 2 of the one battery B1 and the bottom plate 3 of the battery case 4 of the other battery up to substantially near the center portion in contact with the positive electrode terminal 11. And the welding electrode may come into contact with one of the cells B1 or B2 to cause a short circuit. Further, in the inter-battery connection structure shown in FIG. 9, the current path has two welding points: a welding point between the projection 124 and the bottom surface of the battery B2 above, and a welding point between the cap-shaped positive terminal 11 and the electrode plate 2. As a result, the electric resistance is increased by an amount corresponding to the longer current path and the loss in the connection between a large number of cells is increased as compared with the structure of the embodiment shown in FIG.

【0032】これに対し、上記の実施の形態のプロジェ
クション溶接では、溶接電極27を、一方の電池Ba1
の接続電極部22と他方の電池の電池ケース4の底面と
の狭い空間内において、外周部近傍の接続電極部22に
当接するまで僅かに挿入するだけでよく、溶接の作業性
が格段に良好となる利点がある。また、発熱による溶接
がなされる溶接点がゴム弁体117を覆うキャップ状正
極端子11上に設けられている図9の接続構造に比し、
図1に示す実施形態のプロジェクション溶接では、プロ
ジェクション溶接用突起が外周部近傍の接続電極部22
上に設けられており、溶接点がゴム弁体17から離れて
いるので、ゴム弁体17の熱劣化を防ぐことができる。
従って、図1の電池間接続構造の方がより好適と言え
る。
On the other hand, in the projection welding of the above embodiment, the welding electrode 27 is connected to one of the batteries Ba1.
In the narrow space between the connection electrode portion 22 of the other battery and the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of the other battery, it is only necessary to insert the connection electrode portion 22 slightly until it comes into contact with the connection electrode portion 22 in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion. There are advantages. Further, as compared with the connection structure of FIG. 9 in which a welding point where welding by heat is performed is provided on the cap-shaped positive electrode terminal 11 covering the rubber valve body 117,
In the projection welding of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the projection for projection welding has a connection electrode portion 22 near the outer peripheral portion.
Since it is provided on the upper side and the welding point is separated from the rubber valve body 17, thermal deterioration of the rubber valve body 17 can be prevented.
Therefore, it can be said that the inter-battery connection structure of FIG. 1 is more preferable.

【0033】本発明の電池間接続構造は、上記に述べた
例に限られず、その他多様に設計することができる。例
えば図10に示すように、プロジェクション溶接用突起
31を、封口体13の接続電極部22上に設ける代わり
に、電池ケース4底面の、これに接続させる別の電池の
接続電極部が当接される部位の複数箇所に、プレス成形
などにより形成してもよい。上記実施形態と同様に、2
個の電池を直列に配置し、一方の電池Ba2の電池ケー
ス4底面に設けられたプロジェクション溶接用突起31
を他方の電池Ba1の接続電極部22に接触させた状態
で、プラス側溶接電極27を電池Ba1の封口体13の
接続電極部22側周面に当接し、マイナス側溶接電極2
8を電池Ba2の電池ケース4側周面に当接して、両溶
接電極間に電圧を印加することによりプロジェクション
溶接がなされ、両電池間を電気的、機械的に接続するこ
とができる。
The inter-battery connection structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and may be designed in various other ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, instead of providing the projection 31 for projection welding on the connection electrode portion 22 of the sealing body 13, the connection electrode portion of another battery to be connected to the bottom of the battery case 4 is abutted. May be formed at a plurality of locations by press molding or the like. As in the above embodiment, 2
Projection batteries 31 arranged on the bottom surface of the battery case 4 of one battery Ba2.
Is in contact with the connection electrode portion 22 of the other battery Ba1, the plus-side welding electrode 27 abuts on the connection electrode portion 22 side peripheral surface of the sealing body 13 of the battery Ba1, and the minus-side welding electrode 2
Projection welding is performed by contacting the battery 8 with the peripheral surface of the battery Ba2 on the battery case 4 side, and applying a voltage between the two welding electrodes, whereby the two batteries can be electrically and mechanically connected.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図1】本発明の一実施の形態に係る電池間接続構造の
構成を示す縦断面図。
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of an inter-battery connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図2】同上電池間接続構造における接続前の電池の平
面図。
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery before connection in the battery connection structure according to the first embodiment;

【図3】同上電池間接続構造における溶接前の状態を示
す縦断面図。
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state before welding in the battery connection structure.

【図4】複数個の単電池を連結接続して構成した蓄電池
モジュールを示す斜視図。
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a storage battery module configured by connecting and connecting a plurality of unit cells.

【図5】従来の電池間接続構造の構成を示す縦断面図。FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional inter-battery connection structure.

【図6】本発明の電池間接続構造の変形例を示す縦断面
図。
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified example of the inter-battery connection structure of the present invention.

【図7】本発明の電池間接続方法を示す概念図。FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection method between batteries according to the present invention.

【図8】同上電池間接続方法における溶接電極を示す概
略平面図。
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a welding electrode in the same battery connection method.

【図9】参考例の電池間接続構造の構成を示す縦断面
図。
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a connection structure between batteries of a reference example.

【図10】本発明の電池間接続構造の別の実施形態を示
す縦断面図。
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the inter-battery connection structure of the present invention.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

4 電池ケース 13 封口体 14 電極板 17 弁体 18 弁体保持板 19 弁体収納凹所 22 接続電極部 24、124 プロジェクョン溶接用突起 Ba1〜Ba6 電池 Reference Signs List 4 Battery case 13 Sealing body 14 Electrode plate 17 Valve body 18 Valve body holding plate 19 Valve body accommodating recess 22 Connection electrode part 24, 124 Projection welding projections Ba1 to Ba6 Batteries

フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 平11−354097(JP,A) 特開 平10−106533(JP,A) 特開 平8−171896(JP,A) 特開 昭59−224056(JP,A) 特開 昭59−224055(JP,A) 実開 平2−79564(JP,U) 実開 昭57−72560(JP,U) 実開 昭61−162949(JP,U) 米国特許3923549(US,A) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7,DB名) H01M 2/20 - 2/30 Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-11-354097 (JP, A) JP-A-10-106533 (JP, A) JP-A-8-171896 (JP, A) JP-A-59-224056 (JP) JP-A-59-224055 (JP, A) JP-A-2-79564 (JP, U) JP-A-57-72560 (JP, U) JP-A-61-162949 (JP, U) U.S. Pat. (US, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) H01M 2/20-2/30

Claims (13)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項1】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する封口体とを有する電池を複数個備え、これら電池
を同芯上に直列に配置して、隣接する各2個の電池間を
溶接により互いに電気的接続状態に連結する電池間接続
構造において、前記封口体に、電池軸方向外方に突出す
る接続電極部が形成され、隣接する各2個のうちの一方
の電池の前記接続電極部を、これに設けた複数個のプロ
ジェクション溶接用突起を介して他方の電池の前記電池
ケースの他端底面にプロジェクション溶接により直接連
結して、複数の電池間を直列接続した電池間接続構造で
あって、前記封口体は、電極板の中央部に設けた弁体収
納凹所に弁体が収納され、前記弁体収納凹所がこれの上
端周囲に溶着された弁体保持板により閉塞され、前記電
極板における外周に沿った箇所に電池軸方向外方に突出
するリング状の接続電極部が形成され、この接続電極部
の複数箇所にプロジェクション溶接用突起を形成して構
成されていることを特徴とする電池間接続構造。
1. A battery comprising a plurality of batteries each having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode, and a sealing body closing the opening of the battery case also serving as the other electrode. In the inter-battery connection structure in which two adjacent batteries are arranged in series and electrically connected to each other by welding, the connection electrode portion protruding outward in the battery axial direction is provided on the sealing body. The connection electrode portion of one of the two adjacent batteries is formed by projection welding to the bottom surface of the other battery at the other end of the other battery through a plurality of projection welding projections provided on the connection electrode portion. A battery connection structure in which a plurality of batteries are directly connected to each other in series to connect a plurality of batteries in series, wherein the sealing body has a valve body housed in a valve body housing recess provided at a central portion of an electrode plate, Recess is welded around the top of this A ring-shaped connection electrode portion that is closed by the valve body holding plate and protrudes outward in the battery axial direction is formed at a position along the outer periphery of the electrode plate, and projections for projection welding are formed at a plurality of positions of the connection electrode portion. An inter-battery connection structure characterized by being configured as follows.
【請求項2】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する封口体とを有する電池を同芯上に直列に配置し
て、隣接する電池間を溶接により互いに電気的接続状態
に連結する電池間接続方法において、前記封口体に、電
池軸方向外方に突出する接続電極部を形成すると共に、
この接続電極部に複数個のプロジェクション溶接用突起
を設け、一方の電池のプロジェクション溶接用突起を他
方の電池の電池ケース底面に接触させた状態で、一方の
溶接電極を一方の電池の接続電極部の側周面に当接し、
他方の溶接電極を他方の電池の電池ケースの側周面に当
接して、両溶接電極間に電圧を印加することによりプロ
ジェクション溶接を行って、電池間接続を行う電池間接
続方法であって、前記封口体の電極板における外周に沿
った箇所には電池軸方向外方に突出するリング状の接続
電極部が形成され、この接続電極部の複数箇所にプロジ
ェクション溶接用突起を形成して構成されていることを
特徴とする電池間接続方法。
2. A battery having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode and a sealing body closing the opening of the battery case also serving as the other electrode are arranged in series on the same core. In the inter-battery connection method of connecting adjacent batteries to each other in an electrically connected state by welding, the sealing body includes a connection electrode portion projecting outward in the battery axial direction,
A plurality of projection welding projections are provided on this connection electrode portion, and one projection electrode is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery, and one welding electrode is connected to the connection electrode portion of one battery. Abuts the side peripheral surface of
A battery connection method in which the other welding electrode is brought into contact with the side peripheral surface of the battery case of the other battery, projection welding is performed by applying a voltage between the two welding electrodes, and connection between batteries is performed. A ring-shaped connection electrode portion projecting outward in the battery axial direction is formed at a position along the outer periphery of the electrode plate of the sealing body, and projection welding projections are formed at a plurality of positions of the connection electrode portion. A method for connecting batteries between batteries.
【請求項3】 一方の電池の接続電極部の側周面に当接
する溶接電極は、一方の電池の頂部と他方の電池の底部
との間に形成される隙間に挿入しうる厚さの板状挿入部
を有すると共に、その先端辺には接続電極部の外形に沿
った凹部が形成されている請求項2記載の電池間接続方
法。
3. A plate having a thickness capable of being inserted into a gap formed between the top of one battery and the bottom of the other battery, the welding electrode being in contact with the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode of one battery. 3. The battery connection method according to claim 2, further comprising: an insertion portion, wherein a concave portion is formed on a tip side of the insertion portion along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion.
【請求項4】 板状挿入部の上下面に絶縁層が設けられ
ている請求項3記載の電池間接続方法。
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein insulating layers are provided on upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped insertion portion.
【請求項5】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する封口体とを有する電池を複数個備え、これら電池
を同芯上に直列に配置して、隣接する各2個の電池間を
溶接により互いに電気的接続状態に連結する電池間接続
構造において、前記封口体に、電池軸方向外方に突出す
る接続電極部が形成され、隣接する各2個のうちの一方
の電池の電池ケース底面をこれに設けた複数個のプロジ
ェクション溶接用突起を介して他方の電池の封口体の前
記接続電極部にプロジェクション溶接により直接連結し
て、複数の電池間を直列接続した電池間接続構造であっ
て、前記封口体は、電極板の中央部に設けた弁体収納凹
所に弁体が収納され、前記弁体収納凹所がこれの上端周
囲に溶着された弁体保持板により閉塞され、前記電極板
における外周に沿った箇所に電池軸方向外方に突出する
リング状の接続電極部が形成される一方、電池ケース底
面に設けた複数個のプロジェクション溶接用突起は、前
記接続電極部に対向する位置に形成されていることを特
徴とする電池間接続構造。
5. A plurality of batteries each having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode, and a sealing body closing the opening of the battery case also serving as the other electrode. In the inter-battery connection structure in which two adjacent batteries are arranged in series and electrically connected to each other by welding, the connection electrode portion protruding outward in the battery axial direction is provided on the sealing body. The battery case bottom surface of one of the two adjacent batteries formed is directly connected to the connection electrode portion of the sealing body of the other battery by projection welding through a plurality of projection welding projections provided on the battery case. And a battery connection structure in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series, wherein the sealing body has a valve body housed in a valve body housing recess provided at a center portion of an electrode plate, and the valve body housing recess is provided. Is a valve body welded around the upper end of this While a ring-shaped connection electrode portion that is closed by the holding plate and protrudes outward in the battery axial direction is formed at a position along the outer periphery of the electrode plate, a plurality of projection welding projections provided on the bottom surface of the battery case are And an inter-battery connection structure formed at a position facing the connection electrode portion.
【請求項6】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する封口体とを有する電池を同芯上に直列に配置し
て、隣接する電池間を溶接により互いに電気的接続状態
に連結する電池間接続方法において、前記封口体に、電
池軸方向外方に突出する接続電極部を形成すると共に、
電池ケース底面に複数個のプロジェクション溶接用突起
を設け、一方の電池の電池ケース底面のプロジェクショ
ン溶接用突起を他方の電池の封口体の前記接続電極部に
接触させた状態で、一方の溶接電極を一方の電池の接続
電極部の側周面に当接し、他方の溶接電極を他方の電池
の電池ケースの側周面に当接して、両溶接電極間に電圧
を印加することによりプロジェクション溶接を行って、
電池間接続を行う電池間接続方法であって、前記封口体
の電極板における外周に沿った箇所には電池軸方向外方
に突出するリング状の接続電極部が形成される一方、電
池ケース底面に設けた複数個のプロジェクション溶接用
突起は、前記接続電極部に対向する位置に形成されてい
ることを特徴とする電池間接続方法。
6. A battery having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode and a sealing body closing the opening of the battery case also serving as the other electrode is arranged in series on the same core. In the inter-battery connection method of connecting adjacent batteries to each other in an electrically connected state by welding, the sealing body includes a connection electrode portion projecting outward in the battery axial direction,
A plurality of projection welding protrusions are provided on the bottom surface of the battery case, and one of the welding electrodes is contacted with the projection welding projection on the bottom surface of the battery case of one battery in contact with the connection electrode portion of the sealing body of the other battery. Projection welding is performed by contacting the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode portion of one battery and the other welding electrode against the side peripheral surface of the battery case of the other battery, and applying a voltage between the two welding electrodes. hand,
A battery connection method for performing battery connection, wherein a ring-shaped connection electrode portion protruding outward in a battery axial direction is formed at a location along an outer periphery of an electrode plate of the sealing body, while a battery case bottom surface is provided. Wherein the plurality of projection welding projections provided in (1) are formed at positions facing the connection electrode portion.
【請求項7】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケー
スと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を閉
塞する電極板とを有する電池であって、前記電極板に、
電池軸方向外方に突出するリング状の接続電極部が形成
され、前記接続電極部に複数個のプロジェクション溶接
用突起を設けた電池。
7. A battery having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode and an electrode plate also serving as the other electrode and closing an opening of the battery case, wherein the electrode plate has
A battery in which a ring-shaped connection electrode portion protruding outward in the battery axial direction is formed, and the connection electrode portion is provided with a plurality of projection welding projections.
【請求項8】 リング状の接続電極部の中央部に設けた
弁体収納凹所に弁体が収納され、前記弁体収納凹所が弁
体保持板により閉塞された請求項7記載の電池。
8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein the valve element is accommodated in a valve element accommodating recess provided at a central portion of the ring-shaped connection electrode section, and the valve element accommodating recess is closed by a valve element holding plate. .
【請求項9】 請求項7または8に記載の電池を直列に
配置して、隣接する各2個のうちの一方の電池の電池ケ
ースの底部と他方の電池の接続電極部とを溶接した電池
モジュール。
9. A battery in which the batteries according to claim 7 or 8 are arranged in series, and the bottom of the battery case of one of the two adjacent batteries and the connection electrode of the other battery are welded. module.
【請求項10】 請求項7または8記載の電池を直列に
配置して、隣接する各2個のうちの一方の電池のプロジ
ェクション溶接用突起を他方の電池の電池ケース底面に
接触させた状態で、一方の溶接電極を一方の電池の接続
電極部の側周面に当接し、他方の溶接電極を他方の電池
の電池ケースの側周面に当接して、両溶接電極間に電圧
を印加することによりプロジェクション溶接を行うこと
を特徴とする電池モジュールの製造方法。
10. The battery according to claim 7, wherein the batteries are arranged in series, and the projection welding projection of one of the two adjacent batteries is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery. The one welding electrode is in contact with the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode portion of one battery, and the other welding electrode is in contact with the peripheral surface of the battery case of the other battery to apply a voltage between the two welding electrodes. A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising: performing projection welding.
【請求項11】 一方の電池の接続電極部の側周面に当
接する溶接電極は、一方の電池の頂部と他方の電池の底
部との間に形成される隙間に挿入しうる厚さの板状挿入
部を有すると共に、その先端辺には接続電極部の外形に
沿った凹部が形成されている請求項10記載の電池モジ
ュールの製造方法。
11. A plate having a thickness capable of being inserted into a gap formed between the top of one battery and the bottom of the other battery, the welding electrode being in contact with the side peripheral surface of the connection electrode of one battery. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 10, further comprising: an insertion portion, wherein a concave portion is formed at a tip side along the outer shape of the connection electrode portion.
【請求項12】 板状挿入部の上下面に絶縁層が設けら
れている請求項11記載の電池モジュールの製造方法。
12. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 11, wherein insulating layers are provided on upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped insertion portion.
【請求項13】 一方の電極を兼ねる有底筒状の電池ケ
ースと、他方の電極を兼ねて前記電池ケースの開口部を
閉塞する電極板とを有する電池を複数個備え、これら電
池を直列に配置して、隣接する各2個の電池間を溶接に
より互いに電気的接続状態に連結してなる電池モジュー
ルにおいて、前記電極板に電池軸方向外方に突出するリ
ング状の接続電極部が形成された一方の電池を、他方の
電池の電池ケース底面に設けた複数個のプロジェクショ
ン溶接用突起を介して他方の電池の前記電池ケース底面
にプロジェクション溶接により直接連結したことを特徴
とする電池モジュール。
13. A battery having a bottomed cylindrical battery case also serving as one electrode and an electrode plate also serving as the other electrode and closing an opening of the battery case, and these batteries are connected in series. In a battery module arranged and connected in an electrically connected state by welding between each two adjacent batteries, a ring-shaped connection electrode portion protruding outward in the battery axial direction is formed on the electrode plate. A battery module wherein one battery is directly connected to the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery by projection welding via a plurality of projections for projection welding provided on the bottom surface of the battery case of the other battery.
JP11242595A 1998-09-01 1999-08-30 Connection structure between batteries, method thereof, battery, battery module, and method of manufacturing the same Expired - Fee Related JP3092923B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP24717898 1998-09-01
JP10-247178 1998-09-01
JP11242595A JP3092923B2 (en) 1998-09-01 1999-08-30 Connection structure between batteries, method thereof, battery, battery module, and method of manufacturing the same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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JP3838872B2 (en) 2000-12-13 2006-10-25 松下電器産業株式会社 Battery connection structure and connection method
JP2002246005A (en) * 2001-02-21 2002-08-30 Toshiba Battery Co Ltd Battery connection structure
JP2002246006A (en) * 2001-02-21 2002-08-30 Toshiba Battery Co Ltd Battery connection member
JP3848565B2 (en) * 2001-11-27 2006-11-22 松下電器産業株式会社 Battery connection structure, battery module, and battery pack
KR100696799B1 (en) * 2005-04-27 2007-03-19 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 Secondary Battery and Pack Battery of using the same
JP5015455B2 (en) 2005-12-27 2012-08-29 株式会社エムアンドジーエコバッテリー Connection structure between secondary cells
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