JP3723354B2

JP3723354B2 - Module battery

Info

Publication number: JP3723354B2
Application number: JP27450098A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 貴史小田; 英樹岡島; 通則池添; 弘沓山; 義明箭野
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-09-29
Filing date: 1998-09-29
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-29
Also published as: JP2000106164A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、主として、ハイブリッド自動車等に利用されるモジュール電池に関し、とくに、正極端子と負極端子とを位置決めして連結できるモジュール電池に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
モジュール電池は、複数の円筒型電池を、皿状接続体を介して直列に接続して、その両端に、正極端子と負極端子とを接続している。皿状接続体と円筒型電池、さらに、皿状接続体と正極端子及び負極端子の接続は、抵抗溶接で行われる。この構造のモジュール電池は、とくに、自動車用などの大電流を必要とする用途に適している。
【０００３】
この構造のモジュール電池は、図１に示す形状の皿状接続体１を使用して、図２の断面図で示すように、円筒型電池２を直列に接続する。皿状接続体１は、円盤部１Ａを円筒型電池２の正極に溶接して接続する。
【０００４】
皿状接続体１の円盤部１Ａは、円筒型電池２の正極に溶接するプロジェクション３を設けている。皿状接続体１のプロジェクション３が正極に溶接されるとき、プロジェクション３の上面に溶接用電極棒が押圧される。皿状接続体１と円筒型電池２とのショートを阻止するために、皿状接続体１と円筒型電池２との間にリング状に絶縁体４が挟着される。
【０００５】
さらに、皿状接続体１は、フランジ部１Ｂの内側に円筒型電池２を挿入して、フランジ部１Ｂを円筒型電池２の負極である外装缶２Ａに溶接する。フランジ部１Ｂも、円盤部１Ａと同じように、内面に設けたプロジェクション３を外装缶２Ａに溶接する。このとき、フランジ部１Ｂには、プロジェクション３の外側に溶接用電極棒が押圧される。
【０００６】
皿状接続体１を介して直列に連結されたモジュール電池は、図３に示すように、円筒型電池２の正極側には正極端子５を接続し、図４に示すように、負極側には負極端子６を接続している。正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと負極端子６は、図５と図６の斜視図で示すように、四角柱状に成形している。正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと、負極端子６とを四角柱状とするのは、図７に示すように、正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと負極端子６とを集合連結材７である樹脂プレートに嵌入して、複数のモジュール電池を位置決めして接続するためである。正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと負極端子６は、複数のモジュール電池を回転しないように連結するために、非円形に形成される。
【０００７】
この構造のモジュール電池は、図７に示すように、正極端子５と負極端子６とに設けている中央凸部５Ａを、集合連結材７である樹脂プレートに嵌入し、金属製の接続プレート８を中央凸部５Ａに接続する。集合連結材７である樹脂プレートは、中央凸部５Ａを嵌入するために、非円形の貫通孔を設けている。正極端子５と負極端子６の中央凸部５Ａを、集合連結材７の貫通孔に嵌入して、モジュール電池は回転しないように連結される。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
この構造のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体を外装缶や正極端子に溶接するときに、皿状接続体のプロジェクションを、溶接用電極棒に正確に位置合わせをする必要がある。溶接用電極棒とプロジェクションとの位置がずれると、プロジェクションを確実に溶接できなくなるからである。図１に示す皿状接続体は、作業者が肉眼でプロジェクションの位置を確認して、溶接用電極棒の位置合わせを行う必要がある。このため、皿状接続体を溶接するのに時間がかかり、また、溶接用電極棒とプロジェクションとの位置ズレによる溶接不良等の問題があった。
【０００９】
さらに、図に示すモジュール電池は、正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと負極端子６とを、集合連結材７の貫通孔に嵌入して、定位置に連結する必要がある。このため、正極端子５と負極端子６とを、互いに決められた姿勢で皿状接続体１に連結する必要がある。このことを実現するために、従来のモジュール電池は、互いに直列に連結された円筒型電池の両端に、作業者が肉眼で確認しながら、正極端子と負極端子を位置合わせをして溶接している。したがって、正極端子と負極端子とを能率よく連結できず、モジュール電池を能率よく短時間で組み立てできない欠点もあった。
【００１０】
本発明は、このような欠点を解決することを目的に開発されたものである。本発明の重要な目的は、皿状接続体に設けたプロジェクションと溶接用電極棒との位置合わせを簡単かつ容易に、しかも正確にして、皿状接続体を確実に短時間で、円筒型電池と正極端子と負極端子とに接続できるモジュール電池を提供することにある。
【００１１】
また、本発明の他の大切な目的は、正極端子の中央凸部と負極端子を、決められた位置に簡単に能率よく連結できるモジュール電池を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のモジュール電池は、複数の円筒型電池２と、複数の円筒型電池２を連結する皿状接続体１と、円筒型電池２の正極に皿状接続体１を介して接続されてなる正極端子５と、円筒型電池２の負極に皿状接続体１を介して接続されてなる負極端子６とを備える。皿状接続体１は、円筒型電池２の正極凸部を挿入できる嵌入孔１１を有し、円盤部１Ａに設けたプロジェクション３を円筒型電池２の正極に溶接し、フランジ部１Ｂに設けたプロジェクション３を負極に溶接して、複数の円筒型電池２を直線状に直列に接続する。
【００１３】
さらに、本発明の請求項１のモジュール電池は、フランジ部１Ｂに切除部９を有すると共に、皿状接続体１と正極端子５を、互いに定位置に嵌着する形状として位置決めして連結しており、さらに、皿状接続体１と負極端子６も、互いに定位置に嵌着する形状として位置決めして連結している。
【００１４】
正極端子５と負極端子６とに嵌着できる形状の皿状接続体１は、正極端子５と負極端子６とに嵌着する形状を利用して、溶接用電極棒１６をプロジェクション３に正確に位置決めして押圧できる。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項１のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに切除部９を設けている。この皿状接続体１は、切除部９でもって皿状接続体１を位置決めできる。
【００１６】
本発明の請求項２のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１の切除部９に、正極端子５の外周に設けた回り止め凸部１０を嵌入して、正極端子５と皿状接続体１とを定位置に連結している。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項３のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１が、円盤部１Ａの中心を貫通して、非円形の嵌入孔１１を開口している。この皿状接続体１は、嵌入孔１１で皿状接続体１を位置決めできる。
【００１８】
本発明の請求項３のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１の嵌入孔１１に、負極端子６に設けた回り止めロッド１２を嵌入して、負極端子６と皿状接続体１とを定位置に連結している。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項４のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１に設けた嵌入孔１１と、負極端子６に設けた回り止めロッド１２とを歯車状としている。
【００２０】
本発明の請求項５のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１の円盤部１Ａに、中心から偏心する位置に嵌入孔１１を設けている。
【００２１】
さらに、本発明の請求項５のモジュール電池は、偏心して設けた皿状接続体１の嵌入孔１１に、負極端子６に設けた回り止めロッド１２を嵌入して、負極端子６と皿状接続体１とを定位置に連結している。
【００２２】
本発明の請求項６のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１の円盤部１Ａに設けたプロジェクション３に対向する位置に対向して、負極端子６に位置決凹部１３を設けている。そして、皿状接続体１のプロジェクション３を負極端子６の位置決凹部１３に嵌入して、負極端子６と皿状接続体１とを位置決めして連結している。
【００２３】
本発明の請求項７のモジュール電池は、正極端子５に、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂの内側に嵌入できる円形の外周壁５Ｂを設け、さらに、外周壁５Ｂの内側に、モジュール電池を連結する集合連結材７の凸条７Ａを案内する周縁溝５Ｃを設けている。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。ただし、以下に示す実施例は、本発明の技術思想を具体化するためのモジュール電池を例示するものであって、本発明はモジュール電池を以下のものに特定しない。
【００２５】
さらに、この明細書は、特許請求の範囲を理解しやすいように、実施例に示される部材に対応する番号を、「特許請求の範囲の欄」、および「課題を解決するための手段の欄」に示される部材に付記している。ただ、特許請求の範囲に示される部材を、実施例の部材に特定するものでは決してない。
【００２６】
図８に示すモジュール電池は、複数本の円筒型電池２と、この円筒型電池２を直線状に直列に接続する皿状接続体１と、互いに直列に接続された円筒型電池２の端部に位置する正極に皿状接続体１を介して接続される正極端子５と、直列に接続された円筒型電池２の他方の端部に位置する負極に皿状接続体１を介して接続される負極端子６とを備える。
【００２７】
図に示すモジュール電池は、円筒型電池２を直列に接続する皿状接続体１と、正極端子５及び負極端子６を、円筒型電池２の正極と負極に接続する皿状接続体１とは、同じ形状のものを使用している。
【００２８】
図の円筒型電池２は、単一サイズのニッケル−水素電池である。ただ、本発明のモジュール電池は、円筒型電池をニッケル−水素電池に特定しない。円筒型電池には、ニッケル−カドミウム電池やリチウムイオン二次電池等の二次電池も使用できる。また、円筒型電池のサイズも単一に特定せず、全ての円筒型の電池とすることができる。
【００２９】
図８に示すモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１と正極端子５を、互いに嵌着される形状として位置決めして連結している。また、皿状接続体１と負極端子６も、互いに嵌着される形状として位置決めして連結している。
【００３０】
皿状接続体１は、金属板をプレス加工して製作される。皿状接続体１の金属板は、例えば、厚さを０．４ｍｍとする鉄製鋼板にニッケルメッキをしたものを使用する。ただ、皿状接続体を製作する金属板には、厚さを０．２〜１ｍｍ、好ましくは０．２〜０．８ｍｍ、さらに好ましくは０．３〜０．６ｍｍとするものも使用できる。金属板は、ニッケルメッキをした金属板を裁断してプレス加工し、あるいは、メッキしていない金属板を裁断してプレス加工した後ニッケルメッキして製作される。
【００３１】
皿状接続体１の平面図と正面図と底面図を、図９〜図１１に示している。これ等の図に示す皿状接続体１は、円盤部１Ａの外周にフランジ部１Ｂを設けている。円盤部１Ａは、円筒型電池２の正極に溶接するプロジェクション３を設けている。図の皿状接続体１は、４つのプロジェクション３を等間隔に設けている。さらに、円盤部１Ａは、皿状接続体１と負極端子６を、互いに嵌着する形状で位置決めして連結できるように、非円形の嵌入孔１１を中心に開口している。
【００３２】
図８に示す皿状接続体１は、非円形の嵌入孔１１を歯車状としている。ただ、嵌入孔１１は、図１２〜図１５に示すように、たとえば、四角形、楕円形、三角形、五角形等とすることもできる。さらに、嵌入孔１１は、図１６と図１７に示すように、円盤部１Ａに、中心から偏心する位置に設けることもできる。
【００３３】
嵌入孔１１の大きさを、円筒型電池２の正極凸部を挿入できる大きさとする皿状接続体１は、円筒型電池２の間に配設されて、円筒型電池２を直列に連結する皿状接続体１と、正極端子５を接続する皿状接続体１に併用できる。嵌入孔に円筒型電池の正極凸部を挿入できない皿状接続体は、負極端子を接続する部分にのみ使用し、円筒型電池を直列に接続し、また、正極端子を接続する皿状接続体には、正極凸部を嵌入できる嵌入孔の皿状接続体を使用する。
【００３４】
負極端子６は、図１８〜図２０の平面図と正面図と底面図とに示すように、皿状接続体１に接続される面に、嵌入孔１１に嵌入される外形の回り止めロッド１２を設けている。これ等の図に示す負極端子６は、図９〜図１１に示す皿状接続体１に嵌入して連結されるので、歯車状の回り止めロッド１２を設けている。この形状の負極端子６は、鉄製鋼材を切削加工した後、その表面をニッケルメッキして製作される。正極端子５も同じ材質のもので製作される。さらに、図１２〜図１７に示す皿状接続体１の嵌入孔１１に嵌入して定位置に連結される負極端子は、これ等の図に示す嵌入孔１１に嵌入できる形状の回り止めロッドを設ける。
【００３５】
以上の構造のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体１に設けた嵌入孔１１を、負極端子６の回り止めロッド１２に嵌入して、皿状接続体１と負極端子６とを定位置に連結する。嵌入孔１１と回り止めロッド１２とを嵌入させることなく、円盤部１Ａに設けたプロジェクション３を利用して、皿状接続体１と負極端子６を、互いに嵌着される形状として位置決めして連結することもできる。
【００３６】
この構造で、皿状接続体に位置決めして連結される負極端子は、プロジェクションを嵌入するための位置決凹部を、皿状接続体に溶接される面に有する。図２１に示す負極端子６は、皿状接続体のプロジェクションに対向する位置に、４つの位置決凹部１３を設けている。この構造の負極端子６は、図２２に示すように、皿状接続体１のプロジェクション３を負極端子６の位置決凹部１３に嵌入して、負極端子６と皿状接続体１とを位置決めして定位置に配設し、この状態で溶接用電極棒１６を押圧して、プロジェクション３を負極端子６に溶接して連結する。
【００３７】
さらに、図９〜図１１に示す皿状接続体１は、皿状接続体１と正極端子５とを、互いに嵌着する形状で位置決して連結するために、フランジ部１Ｂに切除部９を設けている。切除部９は、９０度ピッチで等間隔にフランジ部１Ｂに設けられている。図の切除部９は、同じ幅のスリット状に形成している。切除部９は、図示しないが、フランジ部の上端開口縁に向かって幅を広くすることもできる。
【００３８】
切除部９は、正極端子５に設けた回り止め凸部１０を嵌入して、正極端子５を定位置に連結する。したがって、切除部９の幅は、正極端子５の回り止め凸部１０の幅にほぼ等しい。正確には、回り止め凸部１０の幅よりも多少広く形成される。図の皿状接続体１は、４つの切除部９を設けているが、切除部９は３つ以下とし、あるいは、５つ以上とすることもできる。
【００３９】
フランジ部１Ｂは、円筒型電池２の外装缶２Ａと、正極端子５の外周に溶接するためにプロジェクション３を設けている。図の皿状接続体１は、４区画のフランジ部１Ｂの中央にプロジェクション３を設けている。
【００４０】
皿状接続体１に嵌入して定位置に連結される正極端子５を、図２３〜図２６に示す。これ等の図は順番に、皿状接続体１の斜視図、平面図、正面図、底面図である。図に示す正極端子５は、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂの内側に嵌入される円形の外周壁５Ｂを有し、この外周壁５Ｂの内側に、モジュール電池を連結する集合連結材７の凸部を案内する周縁溝５Ｃを有し、さらに、この周縁溝５Ｃの中心には、接続プレート８を連結する中央凸部５Ａを設けている。
【００４１】
中央凸部５Ａは、モジュール電池を回転しない状態で、集合連結材に連結するために、負極端子６と同じように、非円形の柱状に形成される。図の中央凸部５Ａは、四角柱状に成形して、中心に雌ネジの孔１７を設けている。中央凸部５Ａは、図２７に示すように、集合連結材７である樹脂プレートに嵌入されて、接続プレート８に接続される。接続プレート８は、雌ネジにねじ込まれる止ネジ１４で、中央凸部５Ａに連結される。図の正極端子５は、負極端子６の外形と同じように、四角柱状の中央凸部５Ａを設けている。正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａは、負極端子６の外形と異なる形状とすることもできる。たとえば、正極端子の中央凸部を三角柱として、負極端子を四角柱状とすることもできる。正極端子の中央凸部と、負極端子の外形とを異なる形状とするモジュール電池は、正極側と負極側とを中央凸部と負極端子の外形で識別できる。モジュール電池を定位置に連結する集合連結材７である樹脂プレートは、正極端子５の中央凸部５Ａと負極端子を６嵌入する。したがって、樹脂プレートは、正極端子の中央凸部と、負極端子とを嵌入できる形状の貫通孔を設ける。
【００４２】
正極端子５の外周壁５Ｂは、その外周面から突出して回り止め凸部１０を設けている。回り止め凸部１０は、皿状接続体１の切除部９に嵌入される。したがって、回り止め凸部１０は、正極端子５を皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに入れた状態で、切除部９に嵌入される位置に、嵌入される形状に設けられる。回り止め凸部１０は、皿状接続体１の切除部９に嵌入された状態で、その先端面を、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂの外周面とほぼ同一平面とする高さに形成される。
【００４３】
外周壁５Ｂの内側に周縁溝５Ｃを設けている正極端子５は、図２７の断面図に示す構造で、複数のモジュール電池を連結する集合連結材７の凸条７Ａを周縁溝５Ｃに案内して連結できる。このため、互いに連結した状態でモジュール電池の全長を短くできる。
【００４４】
従来のモジュール電池は、図７に示すように、正極端子５と負極端子６に設けた中央凸部５Ａを、集合連結材７である樹脂プレートの貫通孔に嵌入して、定位置に連結される。集合連結材７は、複数本のモジュール電池を定位置に配設して連結する部材である。集合連結材７は、モジュール電池を回転しないように保持するために、貫通孔の周囲に厚く成形している。中央凸部５Ａは、この貫通孔に嵌入できる高さに成形する必要がある。中央凸部５Ａの先端面を、集合連結材７と同一面として、ここに接続プレート８を接続する。接続プレート８は、これを貫通する止ネジ１４を中央凸部５Ａの雌ネジにねじ込んで連結される。
【００４５】
図２７に示すモジュール電池は、集合連結材７の貫通孔の周縁を周縁溝５Ｃに案内して、中央凸部５Ａを貫通孔に嵌入できる。このため、中央凸部５Ａを突出させる高さを低くすることなく、接続プレート８を連結した状態で、全長を短くできる。実際に試作したモジュール電池においては、約３ｍｍ全長を短くできた。モジュール電池を短くできることは、多数のモジュール電池を接続する自動車用の電池においては、全体を小さくするために極めて大切なことである。
【００４６】
【実施例】
［実施例１］
図８に示すモジュール電池を以下の工程で製作する。
（１）負極端子６を皿状接続体１に溶接して連結する。負極端子６は、回り止めロッド１２を皿状接続体１の嵌入孔１１に入れて定位置に連結し、円盤部１Ａに設けたプロジェクション３を負極端子６に溶接して連結する。
（２）各円筒型電池２の正極に、皿状接続体１を溶接して連結する。このとき、皿状接続体１と円筒型電池２との間には、ショート防止用に、ニトリルゴム製の絶縁体４を挟着する。絶縁体４は、図２７に示すように、皿状接続体１と円筒型電池２の間に挟着される。
（３）負極端子６を溶接している皿状接続体１を、円筒型電池２の負極である外装缶２Ａに溶接して連結する。円筒型電池２の正極に溶接している皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂを、他の円筒型電池２の外装缶２Ａに溶接して連結し、３本の円筒型電池２を直線状に直列に連結する。最後に、モジュール電池の正極となる皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに、正極端子５を嵌入して定位置に連結して溶接して固定する。正極端子５は、回り止め凸部１０を切除部９に案内して、皿状接続体１の定位置に連結される。
【００４７】
皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂを外装缶２Ａに溶接するとき、図２８に示すように、皿状接続体１をジグ１５で定位置に保持する。この図のジグ１５は、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに外装缶２Ａを入れた円筒型電池２を保持するＵ溝１５Ａを有する。Ｕ溝１５Ａの底には、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに設けた切除部９を嵌入する凸条１５Ｂを設けている。凸条１５Ｂに、皿状接続体１の切除部９を嵌入して、皿状接続体１を定位置に保持する。Ｕ溝１５Ａに、フランジ部１Ｂに円筒型電池２を挿入している皿状接続体１を入れて定位置に保持する。この状態で、図に示すように、隣接するフランジ部１Ｂのプロジェクション３の外側に溶接用電極棒１６を押し付けて、フランジ部１Ｂを外装缶２Ａに溶接する。このとき、円筒型電池２は、皿状接続体１のフランジ部１Ｂに確実に底まで挿入される。図に示すジグ１５は、隣接する一対のフランジ部１Ｂを外装缶２Ａに溶接する。その後、円筒型電池２を１８０度回転させて、残りのフランジ部１Ｂを外装缶２Ａに溶接する。
【００４８】
ジグ１５は、３本の円筒型電池２を直列に接続する状態でＵ溝１５Ａに嵌入して、フランジ部１Ｂを溶接する。フランジ部１Ｂを外装缶２Ａに溶接するとき、３本の円筒型電池２の間に隙間ができないように、直線状に配設している３本の円筒型電池２を両端から押圧する。ただ、フランジ部が、挿入された円筒型電池の外装缶を弾性的に挟着して、底まで挿入された状態に保持できるとき、直線状に配設している３本の円筒型電池の両端を押圧する必要はない。皿状接続体のフランジ部を外装缶に溶接するとき、１〜２本の円筒型電池をＵ溝に嵌入して、フランジ部を外装缶に溶接することもできる。
【００４９】
以上の工程でモジュール電池を試作すると、（１）〜（３）の各工程の処理時間は以下のようになり、全体の処理時間は４８０秒、すなわち８分となった。
（１）の工程…３０秒
（２）の工程…１５０秒
（３）の工程…３００秒
【００５０】
［比較例］
比較のために、同じ円筒型電池を使用し、皿状接続体と正極端子および負極端子とを位置決めできない構造とする以外、同じようにしてモジュール電池を製作すると、（１）〜（３）の各工程の処理時間は以下のようになり、全体の処理時間は７９０秒、すなわち、１３分１０秒となった。
（１）の工程…４０秒
（２）の工程…１５０秒
（３）の工程…６００秒
【００５１】
以上のことから、本発明のモジュール電池は、全体の製作時間を５分以上も短縮できた。
【００５２】
さらに、実施例と比較例でそれぞれ１００個のモジュール電池を試作して、不良発生率を検査した。その結果、実施例のモジュール電池は不良品は皆無であった。これに対して、比較例のものは、１００個に対して３個のモジュール電池が不良品となった。不良品は、皿状接続体と正極端子と負極端子とが正確な位置に連結されず、またプロジェクションを確実に溶接できないものであった。
【００５３】
【発明の効果】
本発明のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体に設けたプロジェクションと溶接用電極棒との位置合わせを簡単かつ容易に、しかも正確にして、皿状接続体を確実に、短時間で円筒型電池に溶接して接続できる特長がある。それは、本発明のモジュール電池が、皿状接続体と正極端子を、互いに嵌着される形状で位置決めして連結しており、また、皿状接続体と負極端子も、互いに嵌着される形状で位置決めして連結しているからである。正極端子と負極端子とに嵌着できる構造の皿状接続体は、正極端子と負極端子とに嵌着する形状を利用して、溶接用電極棒を位置決めして溶接できる。たとえば、本発明の実施例に示すように、フランジ部に切除部を設けた皿状接続体は、切除部を利用して溶接用電極棒を位置決めできる。また、円盤部に嵌入孔を設けた皿状接続体は、嵌入孔を利用して、溶接用電極棒を位置決めできる。このように、本発明のモジュール電池は、皿状接続体を、正極端子や負極端子に嵌着する構造を利用して、溶接用電極棒を位置決めして、プロジェクションを正確に溶接できる特長がある。
【００５４】
さらに、本発明のモジュール電池は、正極端子の中央凸部と負極端子を、決められた位置に、簡単に能率よく連結できる特長もある。それは、本発明のモジュール電池が、皿状接続体と正極端子、また、皿状接続体と負極端子とを位置決めして連結できるからである。皿状接続体に対して、正確に決められた姿勢で正極端子と負極端子とを連結できる構造は、皿状接続体を位置決めして連結することにより、モジュール電池の両端に決められた姿勢で固定できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】従来のモジュール電池に使用する皿状接続体の平面図及び正面図及び底面図
【図２】図１に示す皿状接続体を使用して円筒型電池を接続する状態を示す断面図
【図３】円筒型電池に正極端子を接続する状態を示す断面図
【図４】円筒型電池に負極端子を接続する状態を示す断面図
【図５】図３に示す正極端子の拡大斜視図
【図６】図４に示す負極端子の拡大斜視図
【図７】従来のモジュール電池に接続プレートに接続した状態を示す断面図
【図８】本発明の実施例のモジュール電池を示す正面図
【図９】図８に示すモジュール電池の皿状接続体の平面図
【図１０】図９に示す皿状接続体の正面図
【図１１】図９に示す皿状接続体の底面図
【図１２】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１３】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１４】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１５】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１６】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１７】皿状接続体の円盤部に設ける嵌入孔の他の一例を示す平面図
【図１８】図９に示す皿状接続体に接続される負極端子の平面図
【図１９】図１８に示す負極端子の正面図
【図２０】図１８に示す負極端子の底面図
【図２１】負極端子の他の一例を示す平面図
【図２２】図２１に示す負極端子を皿状接続体に連結する状態を示す断面図
【図２３】図９に示す皿状接続体に連結される正極端子の斜視図
【図２４】図２３に示す正極端子の平面図
【図２５】図２３に示す正極端子の正面図
【図２６】図２３に示す正極端子の底面図
【図２７】図８に示すモジュール電池に接続プレートに接続した状態を示す断面図
【図２８】皿状接続体のフランジ部を外装缶に溶接する状態を示す断面図
【符号の説明】
１…皿状接続体１Ａ…円盤部１Ｂ…フランジ部
２…円筒型電池２Ａ…外装缶
３…プロジェクション
４…絶縁体
５…正極端子５Ａ…中央凸部５Ｂ…外周壁５Ｃ…周縁溝
６…負極端子
７…集合連結材７Ａ…凸条
８…接続プレート
９…切除部
１０…回り止め凸部
１１…嵌入孔
１２…回り止めロッド
１３…位置決凹部
１４…止ネジ
１５…ジグ１５Ａ…Ｕ溝１５Ｂ…凸条
１６…溶接用電極棒
１７…孔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention mainly relates to a module battery used for a hybrid vehicle or the like, and more particularly, to a module battery in which a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal can be positioned and connected.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the module battery, a plurality of cylindrical batteries are connected in series via a dish-like connecting body, and a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are connected to both ends thereof. The connection between the dish-like connecting body and the cylindrical battery, and the dish-like connecting body and the positive terminal and the negative terminal are performed by resistance welding. The module battery having this structure is particularly suitable for applications requiring a large current, such as for automobiles.
[0003]
The module battery having this structure uses a dish-like connecting body 1 having the shape shown in FIG. 1 and connects the cylindrical batteries 2 in series as shown in the sectional view of FIG. The dish-like connector 1 is connected by welding the disk portion 1A to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2.
[0004]
The disc portion 1 A of the dish-like connection body 1 is provided with a projection 3 that is welded to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2. When the projection 3 of the dish-like connection body 1 is welded to the positive electrode, a welding electrode bar is pressed against the upper surface of the projection 3. In order to prevent a short circuit between the dish-like connecting body 1 and the cylindrical battery 2, an insulator 4 is sandwiched between the dish-like connecting body 1 and the cylindrical battery 2 in a ring shape.
[0005]
Furthermore, the dish-shaped connecting body 1 inserts the cylindrical battery 2 inside the flange portion 1 B, and welds the flange portion 1 B to the outer can 2 A that is the negative electrode of the cylindrical battery 2. Similarly to the disk portion 1A, the flange portion 1B also welds the projection 3 provided on the inner surface to the outer can 2A. At this time, the welding electrode rod is pressed against the outside of the projection 3 against the flange portion 1B.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 3, the module battery connected in series via the dish-like connecting body 1 has a positive terminal 5 connected to the positive side of the cylindrical battery 2, and the negative side as shown in FIG. Connects the negative terminal 6. As shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the central convex portion 5 A and the negative electrode terminal 6 of the positive electrode terminal 5 are formed in a quadrangular prism shape. The central convex portion 5A of the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are formed into a quadrangular prism shape, as shown in FIG. 7, the central convex portion 5A of the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are the collective connecting material 7 This is because the plurality of module batteries are positioned and connected by being inserted into the plate. The central convex portion 5A and the negative electrode terminal 6 of the positive electrode terminal 5 are formed in a non-circular shape so as to connect a plurality of module batteries so as not to rotate.
[0007]
In the module battery having this structure, as shown in FIG. 7, the central convex portion 5A provided on the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 is inserted into the resin plate which is the collective connecting member 7, and the metal connection plate 8 is provided. Is connected to the central convex portion 5A. The resin plate which is the collective connecting member 7 is provided with a non-circular through hole in order to insert the central convex portion 5A. The module battery is connected so as not to rotate by inserting the central convex portion 5A of the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 into the through hole of the collective connecting material 7.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the module battery having this structure, when the dish-like connection body is welded to the outer can or the positive terminal, it is necessary to accurately align the projection of the dish-like connection body with the welding electrode rod. This is because if the positions of the welding electrode rod and the projection are shifted, the projection cannot be reliably welded. The dish-shaped connecting body shown in FIG. 1 requires the operator to confirm the position of the projection with the naked eye and align the welding electrode rod. For this reason, it took time to weld the dish-like connecting body, and there were problems such as poor welding due to misalignment between the welding electrode rod and the projection.
[0009]
Furthermore, the module battery shown in the figure needs to be connected to a fixed position by fitting the central convex portion 5A of the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 into the through holes of the collective connecting material 7. For this reason, it is necessary to connect the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 to the dish-like connection body 1 in a mutually determined posture. In order to achieve this, the conventional module battery is welded by aligning the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to both ends of the cylindrical battery connected in series with each other while the operator confirms with the naked eye. Yes. Therefore, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal cannot be efficiently connected, and there is a disadvantage that the module battery cannot be assembled efficiently and in a short time.
[0010]
The present invention has been developed for the purpose of solving such drawbacks. An important object of the present invention is to easily and easily align the projection and the welding electrode rod provided on the dish-shaped connecting body, and to ensure that the dish-shaped connecting body can be used in a short time. Another object is to provide a module battery that can be connected to a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal.
[0011]
Another important object of the present invention is to provide a module battery in which the central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be easily and efficiently connected to a predetermined position.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The module battery of the present invention is formed by connecting a plurality of cylindrical batteries 2, a dish-like connecting body 1 that connects the plurality of cylindrical batteries 2, and a positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2 via the dish-like connecting body 1. A positive electrode terminal 5 and a negative electrode terminal 6 connected to the negative electrode of the cylindrical battery 2 via the dish-like connecting body 1 are provided. The dish-like connecting body 1 is It has a fitting hole 11 into which the positive electrode convex part of the cylindrical battery 2 can be inserted, The projection 3 provided on the disk portion 1A is welded to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2, and the projection 3 provided on the flange portion 1B is welded to the negative electrode, so that the plurality of cylindrical batteries 2 are connected in series in a straight line.
[0013]
Furthermore, the module battery according to claim 1 of the present invention is: While having a cut-out portion 9 in the flange portion 1B The dish-like connecting body 1 and the positive terminal 5 are mutually connected. In place It is positioned and connected as a fitting shape, and the dish-like connecting body 1 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are also mutually connected. In place It is positioned and connected as a fitting shape.
[0014]
The dish-like connecting body 1 having a shape that can be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 uses the shape that is fitted to the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 to accurately place the welding electrode rod 16 on the projection 3. Can be positioned and pressed.
[0015]
Of the present invention The module of claim 1 In the Joule battery, a cut-out portion 9 is provided in the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1. The dish-like connection body 1 can position the dish-like connection body 1 with the cut portion 9.
[0016]
Claims of the invention 2 In this module battery, the non-rotating convex portion 10 provided on the outer periphery of the positive electrode terminal 5 is inserted into the cut-out portion 9 of the dish-shaped connection body 1 to connect the positive electrode terminal 5 and the dish-shaped connection body 1 in place. ing.
[0017]
Claims of the invention 3 In the module battery, the dish-like connecting body 1 passes through the center of the disk portion 1A and opens a non-circular insertion hole 11. The dish-like connection body 1 can position the dish-like connection body 1 through the fitting holes 11.
[0018]
Claims of the invention 3 In this module battery, the non-rotating rod 12 provided on the negative electrode terminal 6 is inserted into the insertion hole 11 of the dish-like connection body 1 to connect the negative electrode terminal 6 and the dish-like connection body 1 in place.
[0019]
Claims of the invention 4 In this module battery, the insertion hole 11 provided in the dish-like connection body 1 and the rotation prevention rod 12 provided in the negative electrode terminal 6 have a gear shape.
[0020]
Claims of the invention 5 This module battery is provided with a fitting hole 11 at a position eccentric from the center in the disc portion 1A of the dish-like connecting body 1.
[0021]
Further claims of the present invention 5 In this module battery, the non-rotating rod 12 provided on the negative electrode terminal 6 is fitted into the insertion hole 11 of the dish-like connection body 1 provided eccentrically, and the negative electrode terminal 6 and the dish-like connection body 1 are connected in place. are doing.
[0022]
Claims of the invention 6 This module battery is provided with a positioning recess 13 in the negative electrode terminal 6 so as to face the position facing the projection 3 provided in the disk portion 1A of the dish-like connecting body 1. Then, the projection 3 of the dish-like connecting body 1 is fitted into the positioning recess 13 of the negative electrode terminal 6, and the negative electrode terminal 6 and the dish-like connecting body 1 are positioned and connected.
[0023]
Claims of the invention 7 In the module battery, a circular outer peripheral wall 5B that can be fitted inside the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 is provided on the positive electrode terminal 5, and further, a collective connecting member 7 that connects the module batteries to the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 5B. A peripheral groove 5C for guiding the convex ridge 7A is provided.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the examples shown below exemplify a module battery for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the module battery as follows.
[0025]
Further, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, the numbers corresponding to the members shown in the examples are referred to as “the scope of claims” and “the means for solving the problems”. It is added to the member shown by. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments.
[0026]
The module battery shown in FIG. 8 includes a plurality of cylindrical batteries 2, a dish-like connecting body 1 that connects the cylindrical batteries 2 in series in a straight line, and end portions of the cylindrical batteries 2 that are connected in series to each other. A positive electrode terminal 5 connected to the positive electrode located at the side of the cylindrical battery 2 via the dish-like connection body 1 and a negative electrode located at the other end of the cylindrical battery 2 connected in series via the dish-like connection body 1. Negative electrode terminal 6.
[0027]
The module battery shown in the figure includes a dish-like connection body 1 that connects cylindrical batteries 2 in series, and a dish-like connection body 1 that connects positive electrode terminal 5 and negative electrode terminal 6 to the positive electrode and negative electrode of cylindrical battery 2. Use the same shape.
[0028]
The illustrated cylindrical battery 2 is a single size nickel-hydrogen battery. However, the module battery of the present invention does not specify a cylindrical battery as a nickel-hydrogen battery. As the cylindrical battery, a secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium ion secondary battery can also be used. Further, the size of the cylindrical battery is not limited to a single size, and all cylindrical batteries can be obtained.
[0029]
The module battery shown in FIG. 8 positions and connects the dish-like connection body 1 and the positive electrode terminal 5 as shapes that are fitted to each other. Further, the dish-like connecting body 1 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are also positioned and connected so as to be fitted into each other.
[0030]
The dish-like connection body 1 is manufactured by pressing a metal plate. As the metal plate of the dish-like connecting body 1, for example, a steel plate having a thickness of 0.4 mm and nickel-plated is used. However, as the metal plate for producing the dish-like connection body, one having a thickness of 0.2 to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm can be used. The metal plate is manufactured by cutting and pressing a nickel-plated metal plate, or cutting and cutting a non-plated metal plate and then nickel-plating.
[0031]
A plan view, a front view, and a bottom view of the dish-like connector 1 are shown in FIGS. The dish-like connecting body 1 shown in these drawings is provided with a flange portion 1B on the outer periphery of the disc portion 1A. The disk portion 1 A is provided with a projection 3 that is welded to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2. The plate-like connecting body 1 shown in the figure has four projections 3 at equal intervals. Further, the disc portion 1A is opened around a non-circular insertion hole 11 so that the dish-like connecting body 1 and the negative electrode terminal 6 can be positioned and connected in a shape to be fitted to each other.
[0032]
The dish-like connecting body 1 shown in FIG. 8 has a non-circular insertion hole 11 in a gear shape. However, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the insertion hole 11 may be, for example, a quadrangle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon, or the like. Furthermore, the insertion hole 11 can also be provided in the disc part 1A in the position eccentric from a center, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.
[0033]
The dish-like connection body 1 having a size of the insertion hole 11 that allows the positive electrode convex portion of the cylindrical battery 2 to be inserted is disposed between the cylindrical batteries 2 to connect the cylindrical batteries 2 in series. The dish-like connecting body 1 and the dish-like connecting body 1 for connecting the positive terminal 5 can be used together. The dish-like connection body that cannot insert the positive electrode convex part of the cylindrical battery into the insertion hole is used only for the part connecting the negative electrode terminal, the cylindrical battery is connected in series, and the dish-like connection body that connects the positive electrode terminal For this, a dish-like connecting body having an insertion hole into which the positive electrode protrusion can be inserted is used.
[0034]
As shown in the plan view, the front view, and the bottom view of FIGS. 18 to 20, the negative electrode terminal 6 is a non-rotating rod 12 having an outer shape that is inserted into the insertion hole 11 on the surface connected to the dish-like connection body 1. Is provided. Since the negative electrode terminal 6 shown in these figures is fitted and connected to the dish-like connecting body 1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a gear-like detent rod 12 is provided. The negative electrode terminal 6 having this shape is manufactured by cutting an iron steel material and then nickel-plating the surface thereof. The positive terminal 5 is also made of the same material. Furthermore, the negative electrode terminal which is inserted into the insertion hole 11 of the dish-like connecting body 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and is connected to a fixed position is a non-rotating rod having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion hole 11 shown in these drawings. Provide.
[0035]
In the module battery having the above structure, the insertion hole 11 provided in the dish-shaped connecting body 1 is inserted into the rotation-preventing rod 12 of the negative electrode terminal 6 to connect the dish-shaped connecting body 1 and the negative electrode terminal 6 to a fixed position. . Without inserting the insertion hole 11 and the non-rotating rod 12, the projection-shaped connection 3 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are positioned and connected to each other using the projection 3 provided in the disk portion 1 A. You can also
[0036]
With this structure, the negative electrode terminal that is positioned and connected to the dish-like connecting body has a positioning recess for fitting the projection on the surface welded to the dish-like connecting body. The negative electrode terminal 6 shown in FIG. 21 is provided with four positioning recesses 13 at a position facing the projection of the dish-like connection body. As shown in FIG. 22, the negative electrode terminal 6 having this structure fits the projection 3 of the dish-like connection body 1 into the positioning recess 13 of the negative electrode terminal 6 to position the negative electrode terminal 6 and the dish-like connection body 1. In this state, the welding electrode rod 16 is pressed and the projection 3 is welded to the negative electrode terminal 6 to be connected.
[0037]
Further, the dish-like connecting body 1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is provided with a cut-out part 9 in the flange part 1B in order to connect the dish-like connecting body 1 and the positive electrode terminal 5 so as to be fitted to each other. ing. The cut portions 9 are provided in the flange portion 1B at equal intervals at a pitch of 90 degrees. The cut portion 9 in the figure is formed in a slit shape having the same width. Although not shown, the cut portion 9 can be widened toward the upper end opening edge of the flange portion.
[0038]
The excision part 9 inserts the rotation prevention convex part 10 provided in the positive electrode terminal 5, and connects the positive electrode terminal 5 to a fixed position. Therefore, the width of the cut-out portion 9 is substantially equal to the width of the detent projection 10 of the positive electrode terminal 5. Precisely, it is formed to be slightly wider than the width of the rotation preventing projection 10. The dish-like connecting body 1 shown in the figure has four cutouts 9, but the cutouts 9 can be three or less, or can be five or more.
[0039]
The flange portion 1 B is provided with a projection 3 for welding to the outer can of the cylindrical battery 2 and the outer periphery of the positive electrode terminal 5. The dish-like connecting body 1 shown in the figure is provided with a projection 3 at the center of a four-section flange portion 1B.
[0040]
FIGS. 23 to 26 show the positive electrode terminal 5 that is inserted into the dish-like connecting body 1 and connected to a fixed position. These figures are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view of the dish-like connecting body 1 in order. The positive electrode terminal 5 shown in the figure has a circular outer peripheral wall 5B that is fitted inside the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1, and the collective connecting member 7 that connects the module batteries to the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 5B. The peripheral groove 5C for guiding the convex portion is provided, and a central convex portion 5A for connecting the connection plate 8 is provided at the center of the peripheral groove 5C.
[0041]
The central convex portion 5A is formed in a non-circular columnar shape like the negative electrode terminal 6 in order to connect to the assembly connecting material without rotating the module battery. The center convex portion 5A in the figure is formed in a quadrangular prism shape, and has a female screw hole 17 in the center. As shown in FIG. 27, the central convex portion 5 A is fitted into the resin plate that is the collective coupling member 7 and connected to the connection plate 8. The connection plate 8 is connected to the central convex portion 5A by a set screw 14 screwed into the female screw. The positive electrode terminal 5 shown in the figure is provided with a quadrangular prism-shaped central convex portion 5 A, similar to the outer shape of the negative electrode terminal 6. The central convex portion 5 A of the positive electrode terminal 5 may have a shape different from the outer shape of the negative electrode terminal 6. For example, the central convex portion of the positive terminal can be a triangular prism and the negative terminal can be a quadrangular prism. In the module battery in which the central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal and the external shape of the negative electrode terminal are different, the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side can be identified by the external shape of the central convex portion and the negative electrode terminal. A resin plate, which is a collective connecting member 7 that connects the module batteries in place, is inserted into the central convex portion 5 A of the positive terminal 5 and the negative terminal 6. Therefore, the resin plate is provided with a through hole having a shape into which the central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be fitted.
[0042]
The outer peripheral wall 5B of the positive electrode terminal 5 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface and is provided with a detent projection 10. The non-rotating convex portion 10 is fitted into the cut portion 9 of the dish-like connecting body 1. Therefore, the rotation prevention convex part 10 is provided in the shape inserted in the position inserted in the cutting part 9, in the state which put the positive electrode terminal 5 in the flange part 1B of the dish-shaped connection body 1. FIG. The anti-rotation convex part 10 is formed in a height in which the tip end surface thereof is substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the flange part 1B of the dish-like connection body 1 in a state of being fitted into the cut-out part 9 of the dish-like connection body 1. Is done.
[0043]
The positive electrode terminal 5 provided with the peripheral groove 5C on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 5B has a structure shown in the sectional view of FIG. 27, and guides the protruding strip 7A of the collective connecting material 7 for connecting a plurality of module batteries to the peripheral groove 5C. Can be connected. For this reason, the full length of a module battery can be shortened in the state connected mutually.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional module battery is connected to a fixed position by inserting the central convex portions 5A provided on the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 into the through holes of the resin plate as the collective connecting material 7. The The collective connecting member 7 is a member that arranges and connects a plurality of module batteries at fixed positions. The collective connecting member 7 is formed thick around the through hole in order to keep the module battery from rotating. The central convex portion 5A needs to be formed to a height that can be fitted into the through hole. The front end surface of the central convex portion 5A is the same surface as the collective coupling member 7, and the connection plate 8 is connected thereto. The connection plate 8 is connected by screwing a set screw 14 penetrating the connection plate 8 into the female screw of the central convex portion 5A.
[0045]
In the module battery shown in FIG. 27, the peripheral edge of the through hole of the collective connecting member 7 can be guided to the peripheral groove 5C, and the central protrusion 5A can be fitted into the through hole. For this reason, the total length can be shortened in a state in which the connection plate 8 is connected without reducing the height at which the central protrusion 5A protrudes. In the actually fabricated module battery, the total length of about 3 mm could be shortened. The ability to shorten the module battery is extremely important in order to reduce the overall size of the battery for automobiles to which a large number of module batteries are connected.
[0046]
【Example】
[Example 1]
The module battery shown in FIG. 8 is manufactured by the following process.
(1) The negative electrode terminal 6 is connected to the dish-like connecting body 1 by welding. The negative electrode terminal 6 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 6 by welding the projection 3 provided on the disk portion 1 A by inserting the non-rotating rod 12 into the insertion hole 11 of the dish-like connecting body 1 and connecting it to a fixed position.
(2) The dish-like connecting body 1 is welded and connected to the positive electrode of each cylindrical battery 2. At this time, an insulator 4 made of nitrile rubber is sandwiched between the dish-like connecting body 1 and the cylindrical battery 2 to prevent a short circuit. As shown in FIG. 27, the insulator 4 is sandwiched between the dish-like connecting body 1 and the cylindrical battery 2.
(3) The dish-like connecting body 1 welding the negative electrode terminal 6 is welded and connected to the outer can 2A which is the negative electrode of the cylindrical battery 2. The flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 welded to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 2 is welded and connected to the outer can 2A of another cylindrical battery 2, and the three cylindrical batteries 2 are linearly connected. Connect in series. Finally, the positive electrode terminal 5 is inserted into the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 serving as the positive electrode of the module battery, connected to a fixed position, and welded and fixed. The positive electrode terminal 5 is connected to a fixed position of the dish-like connecting body 1 by guiding the non-rotating convex portion 10 to the cut portion 9.
[0047]
When welding the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 to the outer can 2A, the dish-like connecting body 1 is held in place by a jig 15, as shown in FIG. The jig 15 in this figure has a U groove 15A for holding the cylindrical battery 2 in which the outer can 2A is placed in the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1. On the bottom of the U-shaped groove 15A, a ridge 15B for fitting the cut portion 9 provided in the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 is provided. The cut portion 9 of the dish-like connecting body 1 is fitted into the ridge 15B, and the dish-like connecting body 1 is held at a fixed position. The dish-like connecting body 1 in which the cylindrical battery 2 is inserted into the flange portion 1B is put into the U groove 15A and held in place. In this state, as shown in the figure, the welding electrode rod 16 is pressed against the outside of the projection 3 of the adjacent flange portion 1B to weld the flange portion 1B to the outer can 2A. At this time, the cylindrical battery 2 is reliably inserted into the flange portion 1B of the dish-like connecting body 1 to the bottom. The jig 15 shown in the figure welds a pair of adjacent flange portions 1B to the outer can 2A. Thereafter, the cylindrical battery 2 is rotated 180 degrees, and the remaining flange portion 1B is welded to the outer can 2A.
[0048]
The jig 15 is fitted into the U groove 15A in a state where the three cylindrical batteries 2 are connected in series, and the flange portion 1B is welded. When the flange portion 1B is welded to the outer can 2A, the three cylindrical batteries 2 arranged in a straight line are pressed from both ends so that there is no gap between the three cylindrical batteries 2. However, when the flange can elastically pinch the inserted cylindrical battery can and hold it in the state where it is inserted to the bottom, the three cylindrical batteries arranged in a straight line can be used. There is no need to press both ends. When welding the flange part of a plate-shaped connection body to an armored can, one or two cylindrical batteries can be inserted into the U-groove and the flange part can be welded to the armored can.
[0049]
When a module battery was prototyped in the above steps, the processing time of each step (1) to (3) was as follows, and the total processing time was 480 seconds, that is, 8 minutes.
Step (1): 30 seconds
Step (2): 150 seconds
Step (3): 300 seconds
[0050]
[Comparative example]
For comparison, when the same cylindrical battery is used and a module battery is manufactured in the same manner except that the dish-like connecting body and the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal cannot be positioned, (1) to (3) The processing time of each process was as follows, and the total processing time was 790 seconds, that is, 13 minutes and 10 seconds.
Step (1): 40 seconds
Step (2): 150 seconds
Step (3): 600 seconds
[0051]
From the above, the module battery of the present invention was able to shorten the entire production time by 5 minutes or more.
[0052]
In addition, 100 module batteries were prototyped in each of the example and the comparative example, and the defect occurrence rate was inspected. As a result, the module battery of the example had no defective product. On the other hand, in the comparative example, three module batteries were defective with respect to 100 pieces. The defective product was such that the dish-like connecting body, the positive electrode terminal, and the negative electrode terminal were not connected to accurate positions, and the projection could not be reliably welded.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
The module battery of the present invention is a simple, easy and accurate alignment of the projection provided on the dish-like connecting body and the welding electrode rod to ensure that the dish-like connecting body can be converted into a cylindrical battery in a short time. There is a feature that can be connected by welding. In the module battery of the present invention, the dish-like connecting body and the positive electrode terminal are positioned and connected in a shape to be fitted to each other, and the dish-like connecting body and the negative electrode terminal are also fitted to each other. This is because they are positioned and connected with each other. The dish-like connecting body having a structure that can be fitted to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be welded by positioning the electrode rod for welding using a shape that is fitted to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. For example, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a dish-like connection body having a cut portion in the flange portion can position the welding electrode rod using the cut portion. Moreover, the dish-like connection body which provided the insertion hole in the disc part can position the electrode rod for welding using an insertion hole. As described above, the module battery of the present invention has a feature that the projection electrode can be positioned accurately by using the structure in which the dish-like connecting body is fitted to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal, and the projection can be accurately welded. .
[0054]
Furthermore, the module battery of the present invention has an advantage that the central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be easily and efficiently connected to a predetermined position. This is because the module battery of the present invention can position and connect the dish-like connecting body and the positive terminal, and the dish-like connecting body and the negative terminal. The structure in which the positive terminal and the negative terminal can be connected to the dish-shaped connecting body in an accurately determined posture is determined by positioning the plate-shaped connecting body and connecting them to the both ends of the module battery. Can be fixed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view of a plate-like connector used in a conventional module battery.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cylindrical battery is connected using the dish-like connector shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a positive electrode terminal is connected to a cylindrical battery.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state where a negative electrode terminal is connected to a cylindrical battery.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the positive terminal shown in FIG.
6 is an enlarged perspective view of the negative electrode terminal shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a conventional module battery is connected to a connection plate.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a module battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the plate-like connector of the module battery shown in FIG.
10 is a front view of the dish-like connection body shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the dish-like connecting body shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connection body.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connecting body.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connecting body.
FIG. 15 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connecting body.
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connecting body.
FIG. 17 is a plan view showing another example of the insertion hole provided in the disk portion of the dish-like connecting body.
18 is a plan view of a negative electrode terminal connected to the dish-like connector shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a front view of the negative electrode terminal shown in FIG.
20 is a bottom view of the negative electrode terminal shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing another example of the negative electrode terminal.
22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the negative electrode terminal shown in FIG. 21 is coupled to a dish-like connection body.
23 is a perspective view of a positive electrode terminal connected to the dish-like connection body shown in FIG.
24 is a plan view of the positive terminal shown in FIG. 23. FIG.
FIG. 25 is a front view of the positive terminal shown in FIG.
26 is a bottom view of the positive terminal shown in FIG. 23. FIG.
27 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the module battery shown in FIG. 8 is connected to a connection plate.
FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing a state in which the flange portion of the dish-like connecting body is welded to the outer can.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dish-like connection body 1A ... Disk part 1B ... Flange part
2 ... Cylindrical battery 2A ... Outer can
3 ... Projection
4 ... Insulator
5 ... Positive electrode terminal 5A ... Central convex part 5B ... Outer peripheral wall 5C ... Peripheral groove
6 ... Negative terminal
7 ... Assembly connecting material 7A ... Projection
8 ... Connection plate
9 ... Resection
10: Anti-rotation convex part
11 ... insertion hole
12 ... Detent rod
13 ... Position recess
14 ... Set screw
15 ... Jig 15A ... U groove 15B ... Projection
16 ... Electrode rod for welding
17 ... hole

Claims

A plurality of cylindrical batteries (2);
The cylindrical battery (2) is welded with a projection (3) provided on the disk portion (1A) to the positive electrode, and the negative electrode is welded with a projection (3) provided on the flange portion (1B) to form a plurality of cylindrical shapes. Connecting the battery (2) in series in a straight line, the dish-shaped connecting body (1) having a fitting hole (11) into which the positive electrode convex part of the cylindrical battery (2) can be inserted , and
Connected to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery (2) via the dish-shaped connector (1) and connected to the negative electrode of the cylindrical battery (2) via the dish-shaped connector (1) A negative electrode terminal (6) formed,
The dish-like connecting body (1) has a cutout part (9 ) in the flange part (1B) , and the dish-like connecting body (1) and the positive electrode terminal (5) are fitted to each other in a fixed position. A module battery characterized in that it is positioned and connected, and the dish-like connecting body (1) and the negative electrode terminal (6) are also positioned and connected in such a shape that they are fitted in place .

The non-rotating projection (10) provided on the outer periphery of the positive electrode terminal (5) is inserted into the cut portion (9) of the dish-shaped connection body (1), and the positive electrode terminal (5) and the dish-shaped connection body (1) The module battery according to claim 1 , wherein the two are connected at a fixed position.

Dish-shaped connector (1) is, through the center of the disk portion (1A), the insertion hole of a non-circular insertion hole (11) is opened, further dish-shaped connector (1) (11) The module according to claim 1 , wherein a non- rotating rod (12) provided on the negative electrode terminal (6) is fitted, and the negative electrode terminal (6) and the dish-like connecting body (1) are connected in place. battery.

The module battery according to claim 3 , wherein the insertion hole (11) provided in the dish-like connection body (1) and the non-rotating rod (12) provided in the negative electrode terminal (6) are gear-shaped.

The disc portion (1A) of the dish-like connection body (1) is provided with an insertion hole (11) at a position eccentric from the center , and further, the insertion hole (11) of the dish-like connection body (1 ) has a negative electrode terminal. The module battery according to claim 1 , wherein a non- rotating rod (12) provided in (6) is fitted to connect the negative electrode terminal (6) and the dish-like connecting body (1) at a fixed position .

The negative electrode terminal (6) has a positioning recess (13) at a position facing the projection (3) provided in the disk part (1A) of the dish-like connection body (1), and the dish-like connection body (1) The projection (3) is inserted into the positioning recess (13) of the negative electrode terminal (6), and the negative electrode terminal (6) and the dish-like connecting body (1) are positioned and connected to each other. Module battery.

The positive terminal (5) has a circular outer peripheral wall (5B) that can be fitted inside the flange portion (1B) of the dish-like connector (1), and a module battery is connected to the inner side of the outer peripheral wall (5B). The module battery according to claim 1, further comprising a peripheral groove (5C) for guiding the ridge (7A) of the assembly connecting member (7).