JP3869733B2

JP3869733B2 - Assembled battery

Info

Publication number: JP3869733B2
Application number: JP2002022508A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 清國本; 正一遠矢; 三郎河野
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-01-30
Filing date: 2002-01-30
Publication date: 2007-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2022-01-30
Also published as: JP2003223876A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、複数の電池を直線状に連結している組電池に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
二次電池を直線状に連結している組電池は、主としてハイブリッドカーなどの電動車両に使用される。この構造の組電池は、低抵抗な状態でしっかりと二次電池を連結することが大切である。大きな接続抵抗は組電池の出力を低下させるばかりでなく、ジュール熱が発生して発熱し、さらに抵抗ロスにより電力を有効利用できなくなるからである。二次電池を直線状に連結する組電池として、接続体を使用する構造が特開平１０−１０６５３３号公報に記載される。この公報の組電池と接続体を図１と図２に示す。この組電池は、接続体９０に金属キャップを使用する。金属キャップは、図２に示すように、平面部９３の外周に円筒部９４を連結した形状に金属板をプレス成形したものである。この金属キャップは、図１の断面図に示すように、一方の二次電池１０の封口板１２に平面部９３をスポット溶接して、他方の二次電池１０の円筒外装缶１１の円周面に円筒部９４をスポット溶接してふたつの二次電池１０を直線状に連結する。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
この構造の組電池は、金属キャップで複数の二次電池を直線状に連結した後、全体を熱収縮チューブで被覆している。この組電池は、二次電池の連結部分をしっかりとした構造にするのが難しい欠点がある。二次電池が金属キャップと熱収縮チューブで直線状に連結されるからである。金属キャップは、封口板にスポット溶接される部分が中心に近く、この部分の曲げ強度を大きくするのが難しい。さらに、熱収縮チューブは、可撓性のチューブであるために変形しやすく、これで二次電池をしっかりとは連結できない。
【０００４】
本発明は、この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、簡単かつ容易に、しかも複数の電池をしっかりと直線状に連結して接続部の曲げ強度を強くでき、必要ならば電池を接続する接続体を保持しながら能率よく連結できる組電池を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の組電池は、複数の電池１０を直線状に連結している。組電池は、連結される電池１０の間に、電池１０を電気接続する接続体２０と、隣接する電池１０を連結する保持キャップ３０とを配設している。接続体２０は、一方の電池１０の封口板１２と他方の電池１０の外装缶１１の底面との間に位置して、当該封口板１２の表面及び当該外装缶１１の底面に各々溶接されている。保持キャップ３０は、互いに連結される一方の電池１０の端部を挿入して連結する第１筒部３７と、他方の電池１０の端部を挿入して連結する第２筒部３８とを有する。第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８とは、互いに直線状に配設されている。組電池は、隣接するふたつの電池１０の端部を第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８に挿入して、保持キャップ３０でもって直線状に連結している。第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８は接続体２０を介することなく外装缶１１に隙間なく密着している。
【０００６】
第１筒部３７は、電池１０の端部にある溝部１５に案内される係止凸部３４を設けることができる。この保持キャップ３０は、第１筒部３７の係止凸部３４を電池１０の溝部１５に案内して、確実に連結できる。
【０００７】
保持キャップ３０は、接続体２０を定位置に保持する保持部３２を設けることができる。この保持部３２は、第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８との間に配設すると共に、接続体２０の両面を対向して配設される電池１０に接続するための貫通孔３３を設けることができる。保持キャップ３０は、貫通孔３３の開口部上端に、内側に突出する抜止ストッパ３６を設けて、この抜止ストッパ３６で接続体２０を抜け難いように保持することができる。
【０００８】
接続体２０は、その外形を電池端面に設けられているカシメ凸条１６の内形よりも小さくして、接続体２０とカシメ凸条１６とのショートを阻止することができる。さらに、保持キャップ３０の保持部３２は、電池１０の端面に設けられているカシメ凸条１６を被覆すると共に、カシメ凸条１６の内側に嵌入される凸部リング３５を設けることができる。この保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２で、接続体２０とカシメ凸条１６とのショートを確実に阻止できる。
【０００９】
【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組電池を例示するものであって、本発明は組電池を以下のものに特定しない。
【００１０】
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。
【００１１】
図３に示す組電池は、複数の二次電池１０を直列に接続して直線状に連結している。この構造の組電池は、複数個を直列に接続して、主としてハイブリッドカー等の電動車両に使用される。ただ、本発明の組電池は、電動車両以外の用途であって、大出力が要求される用途にも使用できる。図の組電池は、円筒型電池である二次電池を直線状に連結して直列に接続している。ただし、組電池は、角型電池である二次電池を直線状に連結して直列に接続することもできる。
【００１２】
組電池は、図４に示すように、同一平面に平行に並べてケース７０に収納される。横に並べている組電池は、互いに直列に接続されて出力電圧を高くしている。組電池は、その両端をケース７０に固定される。この組電池は、ケース７０に連結する端子６０を、両端の電池端面から突出して固定している。図の組電池は、電池端面に垂直に端子６０を固定している。端子６０は、下ケース７１の定位置に嵌入されるバスバー７２にネジ止めして固定される。バスバー７２は、隣接する組電池を互いに連結すると共に、組電池を直列に電気接続する。バスバー７２と端子６０は、下ケース７１と上ケース（図示せず）に挟着されて、定位置に固定される。
【００１３】
二次電池１０は、ニッケル−水素電池、リチウムイオン二次電池、ニッケル−カドミウム電池等の充電できる全ての電池を使用することができる。ただ、電動車両用の組電池に使用される二次電池には、ニッケル−水素電池が適している。体積と重量に対する出力が大きくて、優れた大電流特性を有するからである。
【００１４】
二次電池１０は、図５と図６の断面図に示すように、外装缶１１の開口部を封口板１２で気密に密閉している。外装缶１１と封口板１２は金属板である。外装缶１１は、金属板を底のある筒状にプレス成形して製作される。封口板１２は、中央に凸部電極１３を溶接している。外装缶１１の内部には、電極（図示せず）が内蔵される。さらに、電解液も充填される。外装缶１１は、開口部の端部をかしめ加工して封口板１２を気密に固定している。封口板１２は、ガスケット１４を介して外装缶１１のかしめ部に挟着されて気密に固定される。ガスケット１４は絶縁材のゴム状弾性体で、封口板１２と外装缶１１とを絶縁すると共に、封口板１２と外装缶１１との隙間を気密に閉塞する。この構造の二次電池１０は、封口板１２をかしめて挟着するために、封口板１２を設けている端部に、周囲に沿って溝部１５が設けられる。さらに、封口板１２の周縁にはカシメ凸条１６が設けられる。この二次電池１０は、封口板１２を第１の電極として、外装缶１１を第２の電極としている。ニッケル−水素電池は、第１の電極を正極として第２の電極を負極としている。二次電池は、第１の電極を負極として第２の電極を正極とすることもできる。
【００１５】
図４〜図６の組電池は、複数の二次電池１０を直線状に連結して、直列に接続している。これらの組電池は、直線状に連結している二次電池１０の端面の間に、二次電池１０を電気接続する接続体２０と、この接続体２０を定位置に配設する保持キャップ３０とを配設している。図５と図６の組電池は、一方の二次電池１０の封口板１２と他方の二次電池１０の外装缶１１とを接続体２０で接続している。二次電池１０は、封口板１２を第１の電極、外装缶１１を第２の電極としているので、封口板１２に接続される接続体２０が外装缶１１の一部であるカシメ凸条１６に接触するとショートする。したがって、図５の組電池は、接続体２０とカシメ凸条１６とを保持キャップ３０で絶縁している。図６の組電池は、接続体２０とカシメ凸条１６とを絶縁リング４１で絶縁している。
【００１６】
これ等の図に示す接続体２０は、金属板をプレス成形して製作される。接続体２０は、鉄板等の下地金属板の両面に金属メッキ層を設けている。金属メッキ層は、導電性に優れた電気抵抗の小さい導電メッキ層と、この導電メッキ層の表面に積層している溶接に適した抵抗メッキ層とからなる。導電メッキ層は、銅や銀、あるいはこれ等の合金であって、下地金属板と抵抗メッキ層よりも電気抵抗の小さいメッキ層である。抵抗メッキ層は、ニッケルやクローム、あるいはこれらの合金であって、導電メッキ層よりも電気抵抗が大きいメッキ層である。この接続体２０は、抵抗メッキ層で発熱しやすく、電池端面に速やかに溶接される。また導電メッキ層によって電気抵抗が小さく、二次電池１０を低抵抗な状態で直列に接続できる。
【００１７】
接続体２０は、対向して配設される隣接二次電池１０の電池端面に溶接して接続されて、二次電池１０を直列に電気接続している。図７〜図１０は、接続体２０を示している。図７と図８は、図５に示す組電池の接続体２０を、図９と図１０は、図６に示す組電池の接続体２０をそれぞれ示している。図７と図９は平面図、図８と図１０は断面図である。これ等の接続体２０は、金属板を穴のあるリング状に成形して、両面に突出して電池端面に溶接される複数の溶接凸部２２を設けている。両面に突出している溶接凸部２２は、対向する電池端面の第１の電極と第２の電極に溶接されて、隣接して配設している二次電池１０を直列に接続する。さらに、図の接続体２０は、中心孔２１を設けて、ここに凸部電極１３を配設している。接続体は、中心孔を開口することなく、凸部電極を案内する部分を突出させる形状とすることもできる。
【００１８】
図７と図８に示す接続体２０は、図５に示すように、電池端面に設けられているカシメ凸条１６の内形よりも外形を小さくしている。この接続体２０は、外周縁とカシメ凸条１６との間に隙間を設けて、接続体２０がカシメ凸条１６に接触してショートするのを阻止している。接続体２０は、位置がずれるとカシメ凸条１６に接触するので、接続体２０を保持キャップ３０で定位置に保持している。この接続体２０は、同一の円周上に複数の溶接凸部２２を設けている。溶接凸部２２は、交互に反対面、図８において上下に突出している。反対面に突出する溶接凸部２２は、対向して配設される電池端面に溶接して接続される。
【００１９】
図９と図１０に示す接続体２０は、図６に示すように、電池端面に設けているカシメ凸条１６の内形よりも外形を大きくしている。図６の接続体２０は、二次電池１０の外形にほぼ等しい外形としている。この接続体２０は、カシメ凸条１６に接触してショートするのを阻止するために、カシメ凸条１６との間に絶縁リング４１を配設している。絶縁リング４１は、ゴム状弾性体やプラスチック等の絶縁材をリング状に成形したものである。図の絶縁リング４１は、外形を二次電池１０の外形にほぼ等しくしている。内周縁にはカシメ凸条１６の内面を被覆するリング凸条４２を一体成形して設けている。リング凸条４２は、カシメ凸条１６の内側に嵌入される形状である。この絶縁リング４１は、リング凸条４２をカシメ凸条１６の内側に嵌入して定位置に配設される。
【００２０】
この図の接続体２０は、内周部２３と外周部２４とに段差のある形状に、金属板をプレス成形している。内周部２３は封口板１２の表面に接近する位置に配設され、外周部２４は絶縁リング４１の表面で外装缶１１の底面に接近する位置に配設される。接続体２０は、内周部２３と外周部２４に、各々溶接するために複数の溶接凸部２２を設けている。内周部２３の溶接凸部２２は、封口板１２の方向に突出して封口板１２に溶接される。外周部２４の溶接凸部２２は、外装缶１１の底面に向かって突出して外装缶１１の底面に溶接される。内周部２３と外周部２４の溶接凸部２２が、対向する二次電池１０に溶接されて、二次電池１０は直列に接続される。
【００２１】
保持キャップ３０は、全体をプラスチック等の絶縁材で成形している。保持キャップ３０は、隣接する二次電池１０の間に配設されて、隣接する二次電池１０を連結する。隣接する二次電池１０を連結するために、保持キャップ３０は、互いに連結される一方の二次電池１０の端部を挿入して連結する第１筒部３７と、他方の二次電池１０の端部を挿入して連結する第２筒部３８とを有し、第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８とを互いに直線状に配設している。隣接するふたつの二次電池１０は、各々の端部を第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８に挿入して、保持キャップ３０でもって直線状に連結される。
【００２２】
第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８は、二次電池１０の外装缶１１の端部を隙間なく挿入できる筒状に成形される。円筒型電池の二次電池１０を挿入する第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８は、円筒形で、その内径を円筒型電池の外径にほぼ等しく、正確には内径を円筒型電池の外径よりもわずかに小さくする。わずかに小さい円筒状の第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８は、二次電池１０を挿入するとわずかに伸びて、二次電池１０の外装缶１１にぴったりと隙間なく密着する。また、二次電池１０の外装缶１１は、製造工程によって外径にわずかなバラツキがある。規定の寸法よりもわずかに小さく成形している第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８は、外径にバラツキのある外装缶、とくに細い外装缶の二次電池を隙間なく挿入できる。第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８が弾性的に伸びて、外装缶の太さのバラツキを吸収するからである。
【００２３】
第１筒部３７は、周囲に溝部１５のある二次電池１０の端部を挿入している。この第１筒部３７は、内面に突出して係止凸部３４を設けている。係止凸部３４は、二次電池１０の端部にある溝部１５に嵌入されて、保持キャップ３０が二次電池１０から抜け難くする。図１１の保持キャップ３０は、第１筒部３７の内面に沿う凸条を設けて係止凸部３４としている。係止凸部は、必ずしも凸条の形状とする必要はない。係止凸部は、部分的に突出する凸部を、二次電池の溝部と対向する位置に設ける形状とすることもできる。
【００２４】
係止凸部３４の内面突出高さは、高すぎると第１筒部３７に二次電池１０の端部をスムーズに挿入できなくなる。反対に低すぎると、挿入した二次電池１０が抜けやすくなる。したがって、係止凸部３４の高さは、スムーズに挿入できて、抜け難いように設計される。保持キャップは、第１筒部と第２筒部に縦方向にスリットを設けることができる。スリットのある第１筒部と第２筒部は、二次電池の端部にスムーズに挿入できる。とくに、スリットのある第１筒部は、高い係止凸部を設けてスムーズに二次電池の端部を挿入できる。スリットで複数に切り離された第１筒部が弾性変形しやすくなるからである。ただ、係止凸部の高さを最適にして、スリットのない第１筒部に二次電池をスムーズに挿入しながら、抜け難いようにすることもできる。
【００２５】
さらに、図の保持キャップ３０は、接続体２０を抜け難いように定位置に保持する保持部３２を設けている。保持部３２は、第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８との間に配設されると共に、保持する接続体２０の両面を対向する電池端に溶接するために貫通孔３３を設けている。プラスチック製の保持キャップ３０は第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８と保持部３２からなる全体を一体的に成形できるので、保持部３２と第１筒部３７及び第２筒部３８を別々に製作して連結する必要がない。貫通孔３３は、保持部３２に開口される。
【００２６】
図５と図１１の保持キャップ３０は、カシメ凸条１６の表面と内面を保持部３２で被覆している。カシメ凸条１６の内面を絶縁するために、カシメ凸条１６の内側に嵌入される凸部リング３５を一体成形して設けている。凸部リング３５は、保持キャップ３０を二次電池１０の定位置に嵌着する働きもする。この保持部３２は、カシメ凸条１６を絶縁して、カシメ凸条１６が接続体２０と外装缶１１の底面に接触してショートするのを阻止する。すなわち、ふたつの二次電池１０のショートを防止しながら接続体２０を定位置に保持する。さらに、図の保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２に設けている貫通孔３３の開口部上端に、内側に突出する抜止ストッパ３６を設けている。図の抜止ストッパ３６は凸条であるが、部分的に突出する形状とすることもできる。抜止ストッパ３６は、接続体２０を抜け難いように保持する。この保持キャップ３０は、貫通孔３３の内形を接続体２０の外形にほぼ等しくして、抜止ストッパ３６の内形を接続体２０の外形よりも小さくしている。この構造の保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２に設けている貫通孔３３の内周面に接続体２０の外周縁を当接させて、接続体２０を位置ずれしないようにしながら、抜止ストッパ３６で抜け難いように保持する。抜止ストッパ３６が接続体２０の外周縁を係止する状態で、接続体２０は下面に突出している溶接凸部２２を封口板１２に接触させる。
【００２７】
図６の保持キャップ３０は、カシメ凸条１６を絶縁しない。カシメ凸条１６を絶縁するために絶縁リング４１を配設している。絶縁リング４１は、内周縁にリング凸条４２を設けている。この絶縁リング４１は、カシメ凸条１６と接続体２０の外周部２４との間に配設されて、接続体２０とカシメ凸条１６とを絶縁する。絶縁リング４１は、外形を二次電池１０の外形にほぼ等しくして、保持キャップ３０で定位置に保持され、さらに、リング凸条４２をカシメ凸条１６の内側に嵌入して、カシメ凸条１６によっても位置ずれしないように定位置に配設される。
【００２８】
図６の保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２でカシメ凸条１６を絶縁しないので、貫通孔３３を大きくして、保持部３２の幅を狭くしている。大きな貫通孔３３は、カシメ凸条１６の上方に配設される接続体２０の外周部２４を、図において上に配設している外装缶１１の底面に表出させる。保持部３２は、接続体２０の外周縁の上面に位置して、接続体２０を抜け難いように定位置に保持する。接続体２０の外形は二次電池１０の外形にほぼ等しく、第１筒部３７と第２筒部３８の内面に当接して水平方向のずれが阻止される。さらに、この図の接続体２０は、内周部２３と外周部２４との間に段差を設けているので、この段差部２５を絶縁リング４１の内周面に当接して、定位置に配置される。
【００２９】
図５の保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２の抜止ストッパ３６で接続体２０を抜け難いように保持し、図６の保持キャップ３０は、保持部３２で接続体２０を抜け難いように保持するが、本発明は、保持キャップが接続体を定位置に保持する構造を以上のものに特定しない。保持キャップは、接続体を保持部の貫通孔に抜け難いように嵌着して定位置に保持することができる。また、プラスチック製の保持キャップを成形するときに、接続体をインサートして定位置に保持することもでき、さらに、接続体を接着して定位置に保持することもできる。
【００３０】
さらに、保持キャップは、必ずしも接続体を抜け難いように保持する必要はない。それは、第１筒部に挿入される二次電池と、第２筒部に挿入される二次電池とで、接続体を挟着して所定の位置に保持できるからである。たとえば、保持キャップは、図５に示す保持キャップ３０に抜止ストッパ３６を設けない形状とすることもできる。この保持キャップは、図示しないが、保持部の貫通孔の内周面に接続体の外周縁を当接させて位置決めし、第１筒部と第２筒部に挿入される二次電池で接続体を挟着して所定の位置に保持できる。
【００３１】
さらに、図示しないが、保持キャップは、図６に示す保持キャップ３０に保持部３２を設けない形状とすることもできる。この構造の保持キャップは、接続体の外周縁を保持キャップの内周面に当接させて、あるいは、接続体の段差部を絶縁リングの内周面に当接させて接続体を位置決めし、第１筒部と第２筒部に挿入される二次電池で接続体を挟着して所定の位置に保持できる。さらに、この保持キャップは、絶縁リングをプラスチックで一体的に成形することもできる。
【００３２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の組電池は、簡単かつ容易に、しかも複数の電池をしっかりと直線状に連結できる特長がある。それは、本発明の組電池が、連結される電池の間に接続体と保持キャップとを配設し、保持キャップには、一方の電池の端部を挿入して連結する第１筒部と、他方の電池の端部を挿入して連結する第２筒部とを設け、隣接するふたつの電池の端部を第１筒部と第２筒部に挿入して、保持キャップでもって直線状に連結しているからである。この構造の組電池は、連結する電池のそれぞれの端部を保持キャップの第１筒部と第２筒部とに入れて簡単にしっかりと連結できる。とくに、直線状に配置している第１筒部と第２筒部に入れて電池を直線状に連結するので、ふたつの電池を正確に直線状に並べて連結できる特長もある。さらに、この構造の組電池は、互いに直線状に配設される電池の端部を第１筒部と第２筒部に挿入して保持するので、電池の連結部分における曲げ強度を強くできる特長がある。曲げ強度を強くできる組電池は、振動や衝撃等に対して優れた耐久性を実現できるので、接続部分における接触不良等を有効に防止して安全性と信頼性を向上できる。
【００３３】
さらに、本発明の組電池は、必要であれば、保持キャップで接続体を定位置に保持しながら、能率よく連結できる特長もある。保持キャップで定位置に保持される接続体は、溶接されて電池の正確な位置に連結される。この組電池は、接続体を正確な位置に保持する必要がなく、連結される電池と接続体とを正確な位置で能率よく溶接して連結できる特長がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】従来の組電池の連結構造を示す縦断面図
【図２】図１に示す組電池の接続体を示す斜視図
【図３】本発明の一実施例にかかる組電池の側面図
【図４】図３に示す組電池をケースに収納する構造を示す斜視図
【図５】図３に示す組電池の連結構造を示す拡大断面図
【図６】本発明の他の実施例にかかる組電池の連結構造を示す拡大断面図
【図７】図５に示す組電池の接続体を示す平面図
【図８】図７に示す接続体のＡ−Ａ線断面図
【図９】図６に示す組電池の接続体を示す平面図
【図１０】図９に示す接続体のＡ−Ａ線断面図
【図１１】図５に示す組電池の保持キャップの断面図
【符号の説明】
１０…電池
１１…外装缶
１２…封口板
１３…凸部電極
１４…ガスケット
１５…溝部
１６…カシメ凸条
２０…接続体
２１…中心孔
２２…溶接凸部
２３…内周部
２４…外周部
２５…段差部
３０…保持キャップ
３２…保持部
３３…貫通孔
３４…係止凸部
３５…凸部リング
３６…抜止ストッパ
３７…第１筒部
３８…第２筒部
４１…絶縁リング
４２…リング凸条
６０…端子
７０…ケース
７１…下ケース
７２…バスバー
９０…接続体
９３…平面部
９４…円筒部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an assembled battery in which a plurality of batteries are linearly connected.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An assembled battery in which secondary batteries are connected in a straight line is mainly used in an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car. It is important for the assembled battery having this structure to firmly connect the secondary batteries in a low resistance state. This is because a large connection resistance not only lowers the output of the assembled battery, but also generates Joule heat and generates heat, and furthermore, the power cannot be effectively used due to resistance loss. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-106533 discloses a structure using a connection body as an assembled battery for connecting secondary batteries in a straight line. The assembled battery and connection body of this publication are shown in FIGS. In this assembled battery, a metal cap is used for the connection body 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the metal cap is obtained by press-molding a metal plate into a shape in which a cylindrical portion 94 is connected to the outer periphery of the flat portion 93. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, the metal cap is formed by spot welding a flat portion 93 to a sealing plate 12 of one secondary battery 10, and the circumferential surface of the cylindrical outer can 11 of the other secondary battery 10. The cylindrical portion 94 is spot welded to connect the two secondary batteries 10 linearly.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the assembled battery having this structure, a plurality of secondary batteries are linearly connected with a metal cap, and then the whole is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube. This assembled battery has a drawback that it is difficult to make the connecting portion of the secondary battery a firm structure. This is because the secondary battery is linearly connected by the metal cap and the heat shrinkable tube. In the metal cap, the portion spot welded to the sealing plate is close to the center, and it is difficult to increase the bending strength of this portion. Furthermore, since the heat-shrinkable tube is a flexible tube, the heat-shrinkable tube is easily deformed, and thus the secondary battery cannot be firmly connected.
[0004]
The present invention has been developed for the purpose of solving this drawback. An important object of the present invention is to easily and easily connect a plurality of batteries in a straight line to increase the bending strength of the connecting portion, and if necessary, efficiently while holding the connection body for connecting the batteries. The object is to provide an assembled battery that can be connected.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The assembled battery of the present invention connects a plurality of batteries 10 linearly. In the assembled battery, a connection body 20 that electrically connects the batteries 10 and a holding cap 30 that connects adjacent batteries 10 are disposed between the batteries 10 to be connected. The connection body 20 is positioned between the sealing plate 12 of one battery 10 and the bottom surface of the outer can 11 of the other battery 10, and is welded to the surface of the sealing plate 12 and the bottom surface of the outer can 11. Yes. The holding cap 30 includes a first tube portion 37 that inserts and connects the end portions of one battery 10 connected to each other, and a second tube portion 38 that inserts and connects the end portions of the other battery 10. . The 1st cylinder part 37 and the 2nd cylinder part 38 are mutually arrange | positioned at linear form. In the assembled battery, the end portions of two adjacent batteries 10 are inserted into the first tube portion 37 and the second tube portion 38 and connected in a straight line with the holding cap 30. The first cylinder part 37 and the second cylinder part 38 are in close contact with the outer can 11 without a gap, without the connection body 20 being interposed.
[0006]
The first cylindrical portion 37 can be provided with a locking convex portion 34 guided by the groove portion 15 at the end of the battery 10. The holding cap 30 can be reliably connected by guiding the locking projection 34 of the first cylindrical portion 37 to the groove portion 15 of the battery 10.
[0007]
The holding cap 30 can be provided with a holding portion 32 that holds the connection body 20 in a fixed position. The holding portion 32 is disposed between the first tube portion 37 and the second tube portion 38 and has a through hole 33 for connecting to the battery 10 disposed on both sides of the connection body 20 facing each other. Can be provided. The holding cap 30 is provided with a stopper stopper 36 that protrudes inwardly at the upper end of the opening of the through hole 33, and the stopper 20 can hold the connector 20 so that it is difficult to come off.
[0008]
The connection body 20 has an outer shape smaller than the inner shape of the crimping ridge 16 provided on the battery end surface, and can prevent a short circuit between the connection body 20 and the crimping ridge 16. Furthermore, the holding portion 32 of the holding cap 30 can cover the crimping ridge 16 provided on the end surface of the battery 10 and can be provided with a projection ring 35 that is fitted inside the crimping ridge 16. The holding cap 30 can reliably prevent a short circuit between the connecting body 20 and the crimping ridge 16 at the holding portion 32.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the example shown below illustrates the assembled battery for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the assembled battery as follows.
[0010]
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.
[0011]
The assembled battery shown in FIG. 3 is connected in a straight line by connecting a plurality of secondary batteries 10 in series. A plurality of assembled batteries having this structure are connected in series to be used mainly in an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car. However, the assembled battery of the present invention can be used for applications other than electric vehicles and for which high output is required. The assembled battery in the figure is formed by connecting secondary batteries, which are cylindrical batteries, in a straight line and connected in series. However, the assembled battery can also be connected in series by linearly connecting secondary batteries, which are square batteries.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 4, the assembled battery is stored in the case 70 side by side in parallel on the same plane. The assembled batteries arranged side by side are connected in series with each other to increase the output voltage. Both ends of the assembled battery are fixed to the case 70. In this assembled battery, terminals 60 connected to the case 70 are fixed so as to protrude from the battery end surfaces at both ends. The assembled battery shown in the figure has a terminal 60 fixed perpendicularly to the battery end face. The terminal 60 is fixed by screwing to a bus bar 72 inserted into a fixed position of the lower case 71. The bus bar 72 connects adjacent assembled batteries to each other and electrically connects the assembled batteries in series. The bus bar 72 and the terminal 60 are sandwiched between a lower case 71 and an upper case (not shown) and fixed in place.
[0013]
As the secondary battery 10, any rechargeable battery such as a nickel-hydrogen battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery can be used. However, a nickel-hydrogen battery is suitable for a secondary battery used for an assembled battery for an electric vehicle. It is because the output with respect to a volume and a weight is large and it has the outstanding large current characteristic.
[0014]
As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the secondary battery 10 hermetically seals the opening of the outer can 11 with a sealing plate 12. The outer can 11 and the sealing plate 12 are metal plates. The outer can 11 is manufactured by press-molding a metal plate into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The sealing plate 12 has a convex electrode 13 welded to the center. An electrode (not shown) is built in the outer can 11. Furthermore, the electrolytic solution is also filled. The outer can 11 has a sealing plate 12 hermetically fixed by caulking the end of the opening. The sealing plate 12 is sandwiched between the caulked portions of the outer can 11 via the gasket 14 and is hermetically fixed. The gasket 14 is a rubber-like elastic body made of an insulating material. The gasket 14 insulates the sealing plate 12 and the outer can 11 and airtightly closes the gap between the sealing plate 12 and the outer can 11. In the secondary battery 10 having this structure, a groove portion 15 is provided along the periphery at the end portion where the sealing plate 12 is provided in order to crimp the sealing plate 12 and sandwich it. Further, crimping ridges 16 are provided on the periphery of the sealing plate 12. The secondary battery 10 uses the sealing plate 12 as a first electrode and the outer can 11 as a second electrode. The nickel-hydrogen battery uses a first electrode as a positive electrode and a second electrode as a negative electrode. In the secondary battery, the first electrode can be a negative electrode and the second electrode can be a positive electrode.
[0015]
The assembled battery of FIGS. 4-6 has connected the some secondary battery 10 in linear form, and has connected in series. These assembled batteries include a connection body 20 that electrically connects the secondary battery 10 between end faces of the secondary batteries 10 that are linearly connected, and a holding cap 30 that arranges the connection body 20 in a fixed position. Are arranged. 5 and 6, the sealing plate 12 of one secondary battery 10 and the outer can 11 of the other secondary battery 10 are connected by a connecting body 20. Since the secondary battery 10 uses the sealing plate 12 as the first electrode and the outer can 11 as the second electrode, the crimping ridge 16 in which the connection body 20 connected to the sealing plate 12 is a part of the outer can 11. Short circuit when touching. Therefore, in the assembled battery of FIG. 5, the connection body 20 and the crimping ridge 16 are insulated by the holding cap 30. In the assembled battery of FIG. 6, the connection body 20 and the caulking ridge 16 are insulated by an insulating ring 41.
[0016]
The connection body 20 shown in these drawings is manufactured by press-molding a metal plate. The connection body 20 is provided with metal plating layers on both surfaces of a base metal plate such as an iron plate. The metal plating layer is composed of a conductive plating layer having excellent electrical conductivity and a small electrical resistance, and a resistance plating layer suitable for welding laminated on the surface of the conductive plating layer. The conductive plating layer is copper, silver, or an alloy thereof, and is a plating layer having a lower electrical resistance than the base metal plate and the resistance plating layer. The resistance plating layer is nickel, chrome, or an alloy thereof, and is a plating layer having an electric resistance higher than that of the conductive plating layer. The connection body 20 easily generates heat in the resistance plating layer, and is quickly welded to the battery end face. Further, the electric resistance is small due to the conductive plating layer, and the secondary batteries 10 can be connected in series in a low resistance state.
[0017]
The connection body 20 is welded and connected to the battery end face of the adjacent secondary battery 10 disposed so as to face the secondary battery 10 in series. 7 to 10 show the connection body 20. 7 and 8 show the assembled battery connector 20 shown in FIG. 5, and FIGS. 9 and 10 show the assembled battery connector 20 shown in FIG. 6, respectively. 7 and 9 are plan views, and FIGS. 8 and 10 are cross-sectional views. These connecting bodies 20 are formed with a metal plate in a ring shape with a hole, and provided with a plurality of welding projections 22 that protrude from both sides and are welded to the battery end face. The welding projections 22 projecting on both surfaces are welded to the first electrode and the second electrode on the opposite end surfaces of the battery and connect the secondary batteries 10 arranged adjacent to each other in series. Furthermore, the connection body 20 in the figure is provided with a center hole 21, and the convex electrode 13 is provided here. The connection body can also have a shape in which a portion that guides the convex electrode protrudes without opening the central hole.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 5, the connection body 20 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has an outer shape smaller than the inner shape of the crimping ridge 16 provided on the battery end face. The connection body 20 is provided with a gap between the outer peripheral edge and the crimping ridges 16 to prevent the connection body 20 from coming into contact with the crimping ridges 16 and short-circuiting. When the position of the connecting body 20 is shifted, the connecting body 20 comes into contact with the caulking ridge 16, so that the connecting body 20 is held at a fixed position by the holding cap 30. This connection body 20 is provided with a plurality of welding projections 22 on the same circumference. The welding convex portions 22 alternately protrude up and down in FIG. The welding convex part 22 which protrudes to an opposite surface is welded and connected to the battery end surface arrange | positioned facing.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 6, the connection body 20 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has a larger outer shape than the inner shape of the crimping ridge 16 provided on the battery end face. The connection body 20 in FIG. 6 has an outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the secondary battery 10. In order to prevent the connecting body 20 from coming into contact with the crimping ridge 16 and short-circuiting, an insulating ring 41 is disposed between the connection body 20 and the crimping ridge 16. The insulating ring 41 is formed by molding an insulating material such as a rubber-like elastic body or plastic into a ring shape. The insulating ring 41 in the figure has an outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the secondary battery 10. A ring ridge 42 that covers the inner surface of the crimping ridge 16 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral edge. The ring ridge 42 has a shape that is fitted inside the caulking ridge 16. The insulating ring 41 is disposed at a fixed position with the ring ridges 42 fitted inside the caulking ridges 16.
[0020]
In the connection body 20 in this figure, a metal plate is press-molded into a shape having a step between an inner peripheral portion 23 and an outer peripheral portion 24. The inner peripheral portion 23 is disposed at a position approaching the surface of the sealing plate 12, and the outer peripheral portion 24 is disposed at a position approaching the bottom surface of the outer can 11 on the surface of the insulating ring 41. The connecting body 20 is provided with a plurality of welding convex portions 22 on the inner peripheral portion 23 and the outer peripheral portion 24 for welding. The welding convex portion 22 of the inner peripheral portion 23 protrudes in the direction of the sealing plate 12 and is welded to the sealing plate 12. The welding convex portion 22 of the outer peripheral portion 24 protrudes toward the bottom surface of the outer can 11 and is welded to the bottom surface of the outer can 11. The welding convex part 22 of the inner peripheral part 23 and the outer peripheral part 24 is welded to the opposing secondary battery 10, and the secondary battery 10 is connected in series.
[0021]
The holding cap 30 is entirely formed of an insulating material such as plastic. The holding cap 30 is disposed between the adjacent secondary batteries 10 to connect the adjacent secondary batteries 10. In order to connect the adjacent secondary batteries 10, the holding cap 30 includes a first cylindrical part 37 that is connected by inserting an end part of one of the secondary batteries 10 connected to each other, and the other secondary battery 10. It has the 2nd cylinder part 38 which inserts and connects an edge part, and the 1st cylinder part 37 and the 2nd cylinder part 38 are mutually arrange | positioned linearly. Two adjacent secondary batteries 10 are linearly connected by the holding cap 30 with their end portions inserted into the first tube portion 37 and the second tube portion 38.
[0022]
The 1st cylinder part 37 and the 2nd cylinder part 38 are shape | molded in the cylinder shape which can insert the edge part of the exterior can 11 of the secondary battery 10 without gap. The first cylindrical portion 37 and the second cylindrical portion 38 into which the secondary battery 10 of the cylindrical battery is inserted are cylindrical, and the inner diameter thereof is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery. Slightly smaller than the outer diameter. The slightly smaller cylindrical first and second cylindrical portions 37 and 38 extend slightly when the secondary battery 10 is inserted, and closely contact the outer can 11 of the secondary battery 10 without any gaps. Further, the outer can 11 of the secondary battery 10 has a slight variation in outer diameter depending on the manufacturing process. The first cylindrical portion 37 and the second cylindrical portion 38 that are formed slightly smaller than the prescribed dimensions can insert outer cans with varying outer diameters, in particular, secondary batteries of thin outer cans without gaps. This is because the first cylinder part 37 and the second cylinder part 38 elastically extend to absorb the thickness variation of the outer can.
[0023]
The first cylinder portion 37 has an end portion of the secondary battery 10 having a groove portion 15 around the periphery. The first cylindrical portion 37 protrudes on the inner surface and is provided with a locking convex portion 34. The locking projection 34 is fitted into the groove 15 at the end of the secondary battery 10 so that the holding cap 30 is difficult to come off from the secondary battery 10. The holding cap 30 in FIG. 11 is provided with a protruding line along the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 37 to form the locking protruding portion 34. The locking projection does not necessarily have to be a ridge shape. The locking convex part can also be made into the shape which provides the convex part which protrudes partially in the position facing the groove part of a secondary battery.
[0024]
If the protrusion height of the inner surface of the locking projection 34 is too high, the end of the secondary battery 10 cannot be smoothly inserted into the first tube portion 37. On the other hand, if it is too low, the inserted secondary battery 10 is easily removed. Therefore, the height of the locking projection 34 is designed so that it can be inserted smoothly and is not easily removed. The holding cap can be provided with slits in the vertical direction in the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The 1st cylinder part and 2nd cylinder part with a slit can be smoothly inserted in the edge part of a secondary battery. Especially the 1st cylinder part with a slit can provide the high latching convex part, and can insert the edge part of a secondary battery smoothly. This is because the first cylindrical portion separated into a plurality by the slit is easily elastically deformed. However, the height of the locking projections can be optimized so that the secondary battery can be inserted smoothly into the first cylindrical part without slits and can be made difficult to come off.
[0025]
Further, the holding cap 30 shown in the figure is provided with a holding portion 32 that holds the connector 20 in a fixed position so that it is difficult to come off. The holding part 32 is disposed between the first cylinder part 37 and the second cylinder part 38 and has a through hole 33 for welding both surfaces of the connection body 20 to be held to the opposite battery ends. . Since the plastic holding cap 30 can be formed integrally with the first cylindrical portion 37, the second cylindrical portion 38, and the holding portion 32, the holding portion 32, the first cylindrical portion 37, and the second cylindrical portion 38 are separately formed. There is no need to make and connect to. The through hole 33 is opened in the holding portion 32.
[0026]
The holding cap 30 of FIGS. 5 and 11 covers the surface and the inner surface of the crimping ridge 16 with a holding portion 32. In order to insulate the inner surface of the caulking ridge 16, a convex ring 35 that is fitted inside the caulking ridge 16 is integrally formed. The convex ring 35 also serves to fit the holding cap 30 at a fixed position of the secondary battery 10. The holding portion 32 insulates the crimping ridges 16 and prevents the crimping ridges 16 from coming into contact with the connecting body 20 and the bottom surface of the outer can 11 to cause a short circuit. That is, the connection body 20 is held in place while preventing a short circuit between the two secondary batteries 10. Further, the holding cap 30 shown in the figure is provided with a stopper stopper 36 that protrudes inwardly at the upper end of the opening of the through hole 33 provided in the holding portion 32. The retaining stopper 36 in the figure is a ridge, but it can also have a partially protruding shape. The retaining stopper 36 holds the connection body 20 so as not to easily come off. In the holding cap 30, the inner shape of the through hole 33 is substantially equal to the outer shape of the connection body 20, and the inner shape of the retaining stopper 36 is made smaller than the outer shape of the connection body 20. The holding cap 30 having this structure is provided with a retaining stopper 36 while the outer peripheral edge of the connection body 20 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 33 provided in the holding portion 32 so that the connection body 20 is not displaced. Hold it so that it is hard to come off. In a state in which the retaining stopper 36 locks the outer peripheral edge of the connection body 20, the connection body 20 brings the welding projection 22 protruding on the lower surface into contact with the sealing plate 12.
[0027]
The holding cap 30 in FIG. 6 does not insulate the caulking ridge 16. An insulating ring 41 is provided to insulate the caulking ridge 16. The insulating ring 41 is provided with a ring ridge 42 on the inner peripheral edge. The insulating ring 41 is disposed between the crimping ridge 16 and the outer peripheral portion 24 of the connection body 20 to insulate the connection body 20 from the crimping ridge 16. The insulating ring 41 has an outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the secondary battery 10 and is held at a fixed position by the holding cap 30. Further, the ring protrusion 42 is fitted inside the crimping protrusion 16, and the crimping protrusion 16 is inserted. 16 is arranged at a fixed position so as not to be displaced.
[0028]
The holding cap 30 of FIG. 6 does not insulate the caulking ridge 16 with the holding portion 32, so the through-hole 33 is enlarged and the width of the holding portion 32 is narrowed. The large through-hole 33 causes the outer peripheral portion 24 of the connection body 20 disposed above the crimping ridge 16 to be exposed on the bottom surface of the outer can 11 disposed above in the drawing. The holding portion 32 is positioned on the upper surface of the outer peripheral edge of the connection body 20 and holds the connection body 20 in a fixed position so that the connection body 20 is not easily pulled out. The outer shape of the connection body 20 is substantially equal to the outer shape of the secondary battery 10, and abuts against the inner surfaces of the first cylinder portion 37 and the second cylinder portion 38 to prevent horizontal displacement. Furthermore, since the connection body 20 in this figure has a step between the inner peripheral portion 23 and the outer peripheral portion 24, the step portion 25 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insulating ring 41 and is disposed at a fixed position. Is done.
[0029]
The holding cap 30 in FIG. 5 is held by the retaining stopper 36 of the holding portion 32 so that the connecting body 20 is not easily pulled out. The holding cap 30 in FIG. 6 is held by the holding portion 32 so that the connecting body 20 is not easily pulled out. The present invention does not specify the structure in which the holding cap holds the connection body in a fixed position. The holding cap can be held in place by fitting the connecting body into the through hole of the holding portion so as not to easily come off. Further, when molding a plastic holding cap, the connection body can be inserted and held in place, and the connection body can be bonded and held in place.
[0030]
Furthermore, it is not always necessary to hold the holding cap so that it is difficult to pull out the connection body. This is because the connection body can be sandwiched and held at a predetermined position by the secondary battery inserted into the first cylinder part and the secondary battery inserted into the second cylinder part. For example, the holding cap may have a shape in which the retaining stopper 36 shown in FIG. Although not shown, the holding cap is positioned by bringing the outer peripheral edge of the connecting body into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the holding portion, and is connected by a secondary battery inserted into the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The body can be clamped and held in place.
[0031]
Further, although not shown, the holding cap may have a shape in which the holding portion 32 is not provided in the holding cap 30 shown in FIG. The holding cap of this structure positions the connecting body by bringing the outer peripheral edge of the connecting body into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the holding cap, or by bringing the stepped portion of the connecting body into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insulating ring, The connection body can be sandwiched between the secondary batteries inserted into the first tube portion and the second tube portion and held in place. Furthermore, this holding cap can also integrally mold the insulating ring with plastic.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
The assembled battery of the present invention has an advantage that it can easily and easily connect a plurality of batteries in a straight line. In the assembled battery of the present invention, a connecting body and a holding cap are arranged between batteries to be connected, and the holding cap is inserted with an end portion of one battery and connected to the first tube portion; A second cylindrical portion that inserts and connects the end of the other battery, and inserts the ends of two adjacent batteries into the first and second cylindrical portions and linearly with the holding cap. This is because they are connected. The assembled battery having this structure can be easily and securely connected by putting the end portions of the batteries to be connected into the first and second cylinder portions of the holding cap. In particular, since the batteries are connected in a straight line by placing them in the first and second cylinders arranged in a straight line, there is also an advantage that two batteries can be connected in a straight line. Further, the assembled battery having this structure is characterized in that the end portions of the batteries arranged in a straight line can be inserted and held in the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part, so that the bending strength at the battery connection part can be increased. There is. The assembled battery that can increase the bending strength can realize excellent durability against vibration, impact, and the like, and thus can effectively prevent contact failure at the connection portion and improve safety and reliability.
[0033]
Furthermore, the assembled battery of the present invention has a feature that, if necessary, it can be efficiently connected while holding the connection body in place with a holding cap. The connection body held in place by the holding cap is welded and connected to the exact position of the battery. This assembled battery does not need to hold the connection body at an accurate position, and has an advantage that the battery to be connected and the connection body can be efficiently welded and connected at an accurate position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional assembled battery connection structure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection body of the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembled battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure for housing the assembled battery shown in FIG. 3 in a case. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a connecting structure of the assembled battery shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the assembled battery. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a connection body of the assembled battery shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the connection body shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the connection body shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack holding cap shown in FIG.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Battery 11 ... Exterior can 12 ... Sealing plate 13 ... Convex part electrode 14 ... Gasket 15 ... Groove part 16 ... Caulking protrusion 20 ... Connector 21 ... Center hole 22 ... Welding convex part 23 ... Inner peripheral part 24 ... Outer peripheral part 25 ... Step part 30 ... Holding cap 32 ... Holding part 33 ... Through hole 34 ... Locking convex part 35 ... Protruding ring 36 ... Stop stopper 37 ... First cylindrical part 38 ... Second cylindrical part 41 ... Insulating ring 42 ... Ring convex Article 60 ... Terminal 70 ... Case 71 ... Lower case 72 ... Bus bar 90 ... Connection body 93 ... Flat part 94 ... Cylindrical part

Claims

An assembled battery in which a plurality of batteries (10) are connected in a straight line, and between the connected batteries (10), a connecting body (20) for electrically connecting the batteries (10) and an adjacent battery ( 10) and a holding cap (30) for connecting,
The connecting body (20) is located between the sealing plate (12) of one battery (10) and the bottom surface of the outer can (11) of the other battery (10), and the surface of the sealing plate (12). And welded to the bottom of the outer can (11),
The holding cap (30) is connected by inserting an end portion of one battery (10) to be connected to each other and inserting and connecting an end portion of the other battery (10). A second tube portion (38), and the first tube portion (37) and the second tube portion (38) are arranged linearly with each other,
Insert the ends of two adjacent batteries (10) into the first tube part (37) and the second tube part (38) and connect them linearly with the holding cap (30).
The first tube portion (37) and the second tube portion (38) are in close contact with the outer can (11) without interposing the connecting body (20) ,
The holding cap (30) has a holding part (32) for holding the connecting body (20) in a fixed position . The holding part (32) includes a first cylindrical part (37) , a second cylindrical part (38), and And having a through hole (33) for connecting to the battery (10) disposed opposite to both surfaces of the connection body (20) ,
The outer shape of the connection body (20) is made smaller than the inner shape of the crimping ridge (16) provided on the battery end surface to prevent short-circuit between the connection body (20) and the crimping ridge (16). The holding portion (32) of the holding cap (30) covers the caulking ridge (16) provided on the end face of the battery (10) and is inserted into the caulking ridge (16). A battery pack provided with a part ring (35) .

The assembled battery according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular portion (37) has a locking convex portion (34) guided by a groove portion (15) at an end portion of the battery (10).

The holding cap (30) has a retaining stopper (36) projecting inwardly at the upper end of the opening of the through hole (33). The assembled battery according to claim 1 .